How to set up a small network

The information provided below assumes you have a reasonable knowledge of operating Windows. If you don't feel confident performing any of the tasks below, please consult an expert.

Some Basic Facts:

A network is two or more computers connected together for the purpose of sharing data, peripherals or internet access.

The computers do not have to be running the same operating system as each other. You can network computers running Windows XP with other computers running Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 98 etc.

• The computers must be physically connected to each other through cables or wireless technologies.
• The computers must belong to the same workgroup or domain. Most small networks will be a workgroup.
• The computers must use the same protocol (language) to talk to each other. Usually TCP/IP

A small home or office network is an excellent way to save money by being able to share one printer or Internet connection between two or more computers. It also allows you to share information (data) such as word processing documents, spread sheets, music, in fact, any type of file.

Getting Started

The first thing to do is to decide how to connect the computers together (topology). Is it convenient to run cables between them or is it more appropriate to use wireless connections?

• Using cables typically will give a faster connection than wireless and is more secure. Cables may be as long as 100 metres. Connecting more than 2 computers requires a hub or switch. This is a device that all computers on the network plug into and routes information between them.
• Using wireless can save fitting cables inside walls but has a fairly limited range and is badly affected by solid brick and concrete walls. It is easier for hackers to gain access to a wireless network than a cabled network.

Each computer will require a network (card) port to suit the topology you have chosen.

For cabled connections:

• Many newer desktop computers have an Ethernet 10/100 port built in. If you don't have a network port you can buy a PCI network card (to be installed inside your computer) or a USB network adapter that plugs into a USB port.

For wireless connections:

• Some notebook computers have a wireless network port built in. Most desktop computers will require a PCI wireless network card.

Configuration

We will assume you don't have a domain controller (a special type of file server) which means you will be running a workgroup network.

Each computer needs to have the following:

• A workgroup name (all computers have the same workgroup name)
• A computer name (all computers have unique computer names)
• An IP address (all computers have unique IP addresses)

All computers on your network must belong to the same workgroup. In Windows 2000 and XP you can assign the name of the workgroup by going into 'control panel' and running 'system' then choosing the 'computer name' tab. Click on the 'change' button. This is where you set the computer name and the workgroup name.

Each computer must have a unique name on the network. You can call the computer anything you like, but it is normally best to name them by user or location so it is easy to know which computer is which . Do not call the computer the exact same name as the user.

Example:  -

IP addresses can be fixed (static) or they can be assigned by a DHCP server.

Option 1 - By DHCP

If you have a broadband router or a computer setup as an Internet gateway, the other workstations will usually get their IP addresses assigned automatically. The router or the computer sharing its Internet gateway will need to have a static IP address assigned to it. (Often 192.168.0.1)

The workstations will have their TCP/IP properties set to 'obtain an ip address automatically' and 'obtain DNS server addresses automatically'. No other configuration is generally needed.

Option 2 - By Manual Configuration

If you don't have any DHCP servers on your network each computer will need to have a static IP address assigned. Every computer on the network must have a unique IP address. This is 4 decimal numbers separated by a full stop. i.e. 192.168.0.20 or 192.168.0.176

It is simplest to have every computer having an IP address beginning with 192.168.0.

Typically the router or computer providing internet services will have an IP address of 192.168.0.1

Other computers on the network will need to be assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.x ; where x is a unique number to each computer on the network.

work in progress......