Working With

Networks

Information released by Bow Valley

College and Klein Design
Copyright 2006

• Understand and configure Wireless devices.

• Understand different kinds of Networks.
• Share Folders and Printers on a Home Network.
What is Wireless Networking?
Wireless networking refers to any data exchange between PCs and other devices that
does not involve cables. Connecting to a wireless hotspot in a cafe or Airport, sending
data from your PC to a handheld computer using an infrared link, or synchronizing data
between your mobile phone and notebook via Bluetooth are all examples of wireless
networking.
In practice, however, wireless networking allows computers and peripherals to
communicate using radio frequency (RF) transmissions rather than using network
cabling. Using wireless Ethernet adapters, any device capable of being used on a regular
computer network can be accessed over a wireless connection for tasks ranging from file
and printer sharing to multimedia and Internet access.
Wireless Ethernet technology is generally outlined by a set of standards called IEEE
802.11 (Wi-Fi). although other wireless technologies and protocols such as HomeRF and
Bluetooth also exist. A wireless network of this kind can offer you all the amenities of a
conventional PC network, such as Internet access and the ability to share files and
peripherals such as printers. It uses the same Ethernet standards for transmitting data, but
doesn't require that every machine be connected by cable to a network hub.

Types of Wi-Fi

Network Maximum Average Speed Wireless Range

Protocol Speed

802.11a 54Mbps 27Mbps 12m indoors, 30m line-

of-sight outdoors

802.11b 11Mbps 4.5Mbps 30m indoors, 120m

line-of-sight outdoors

802.11g 54Mbps 7Mbps (in compatibility mode), 30m indoors, 120m

16Mbps (with other 802.11g line-of-sight outdoors
Recommended devices) is backward compatible∗
with Wireless B

Some manufacturers have developed proprietary technologies that can double the data
rate of wireless devices. These are not IEEE 802.11 compliant and will only work at
these speeds with other compatible proprietary devices.

∗ A new version of a program is said to be backward compatible if it can use data created with an older version of the same program.
What is the Difference Between an Access Point and a Router?
An Access Point is required to connect PCs with wireless cards, to an existing LAN. An
Access Point is like a transceiver (transmitter-receiver) that translates between wireless
network traffic and wired network traffic, acting as a gateway between the two. Home
networkers typically install an Access Point when they want to add wireless computers to
their current setup.

An Access Point resides on a LAN the same way a PC does - via a network cable. It is
assigned its own IP address, and can be connected to by other PCs on the LAN. While
the IP address can be set manually, it is common to have one assigned automatically by a
DHCP server. This task is usually performed by a router where ADSL Internet
connection sharing is in place, or a domain server in more conventional IT networks.
As well as being located on the LAN, an Access Point is also the centre of a wireless
network. Wireless devices in the vicinity can connect to the Access Point via radio
waves, and these transmissions are converted by the Access Point into IP traffic on the
network.

A Router is an Access Point with several other useful functions added. Routers support
Internet connection sharing, include firewall technology for improved network security,
and allow clients to browse a number of different networks.

Adapters
In order for your computer to connect to the access point, you will need a wireless
adapter (or wireless NIC) in each PC. These can take several forms. Many new notebooks
have a wireless adapter built-in. These often take advantage of Intel Centrino's (Intel’s
mobile processor) support for Wi-Fi standards.
Notebooks that don't have a wireless adapter can gain one in the form of a PC Card or
USB adapter. A PC card adapter is generally less obtrusive, but a USB adapter can more
easily be redeployed to Desktop systems.
Desktop users can choose between the two. If you or your business are purchasing new
PCs, consider ones with built-in cards, as this will be cheaper than adding them later.
The Router (Access Point) and the Adapter need to be compatible with each other. If you
buy a Wireless g Router, then you would need to have a Wireless g Adapter.
Wireless Networking Terminology
Bluetooth

Bluetooth is one way to make a cell phone or PDA communicate on wireless networks.
Bluetooth technology is fairly slow and short range, but you can do some very useful
things with it.

Since Bluetooth is only meant for short distances, it is more of a technique to eliminate
wires used for interconnecting nearby electronic items. For example, Bluetooth is a great
way to eliminate the normal wire used for cellular headsets - leaving the user wireless
with not wires to trip over while walking or get in the way while driving. Bluetooth can
also be used for wireless computer keyboards and wireless computer mice. There is no
question that we will see more uses of Bluetooth in the future, for short wireless
transmission usages and the elimination of wires.

Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity

The term Wi-Fi refers a group of industry standards for wireless communication
including 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. Wireless g is faster than a or b.
IP - Internet Protocol

A method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on a network,
i.e. the Internet. Each computer has to have a unique assigned 32-bit IP address. Your
router (unless manually configured) will automatically give out IP addresses to the
computers that connect to the router. Usually the Routers address will be 192.168.0.1,
and then other computer will get a different address 192.168.0.2…and so on, this
protocol is called DHCP.
If you want to check your computer’s IP address, [click ]on Start and Run. Type CMD
in the Run dialog box, and [click] OK. This will open the Command Console (black
screen). Type ipconfig in the black dialog box, and press Enter.
DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.

MAC Address - Media Access Control address

A unique hardware identifier. On Ethernet, it is the same as Ethernet address. In

Canmore we have Shaw or Telus as an Internet Service Provider. They register your
routers MAC address in order for it to connect to the Internet. This is also safety measure
to insure that someone with a different MAC address cannot use your Internet
connection.
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy

An encryption system that encrypts data on wireless networks so that it can only be read
by authorized users with the correct decryption key. Is not as secure as WPA.

WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access

A system to secure Wi-Fi networks, intended to replace the current WEP system. Is more
secure than WEP.

WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network

Any local area network that does not use wires or cables to connect computers.

SSID - Service Set Identifier

Is meant to differentiate one network from another. Initially, wireless access points (APs)
are set to a default depending on the manufacturer. For example, all Linksys APs are set
to the network name of “linksys”, and Netgear’s APs are set to “netgear”. Because these
default SSIDs are so well known, not changing them makes your network much easier to
detect. All devices connected to your WLAN must use the same SSID.

Infrastructure Mode

An 802.11 networking framework in which devices communicate with each other by first
going through an Access Point (AP). In Infrastructure mode, wireless devices can
communicate with each other or can communicate with a wired network.

AdHoc Mode

Two or more wireless Ethernet computers (802.11b or g) may communicate with each
other without a wireless access point. The wireless cards must be set to AdHoc mode
instead of Infrastructure mode.
Configure your Wireless Network
One of the best things about WiFi is how simple it is (usually). Many new laptops already
come with a WiFi card built in - in many cases you don't have to do anything to start
using WiFi. It is also easy to add a WiFi card to an older laptop or a Desktop PC.
Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has built in support for Wireless Networking
called Wireless Zero Configuration. This is something to look for when buying a new
Router and Adapter. The new Linksys Wireless Routers and Adapters come compatible
with Microsoft’s Wireless Zero configuration. Some Routers and Adapters need to be
configured and do not work well with the Zero Configuration (in fact sometimes when
you install the software it will ask you to disable the Zero configuration feature of
Windows).

1. Using Ethernet cables, plug the cables from the Router to the Modem (provided by
Telus or Shaw in order for you to have the Internet).
2. Turn the power on to the Router. Most Routers allow you to directly connect
computers via Ethernet cable instead of having a wireless connection. Once you turn
your Wireless Access Point on, you will have a WiFi hotspot in your house. In a
typical home, your new hotspot will provide coverage for about 100 feet in all
directions, although walls and floors do cut down on the range.
3. Next we will need to Install and Plug in the adapters on the PC you wish to be
wireless. If you have built in WiFi with your Laptop, you are ready to go.
a. For a laptop, this card will normally be a PCMCIA card that you slide into a
PCMCIA slot on your laptop. Or you can buy a small external adapter and plug it
into a USB port.
b. For a Desktop machine, you can buy a PCI card that you install inside the
machine, or a small external adapter that you connect to the computer with a USB
cable.
4. Most adapters come with software that you will need to install before you plug the
Wireless adapter into your computer. It is also a better idea to use the software that
came with the adapter. Simply put the disk in the CD Drive, and follow the
installation instructions.
5. Once you have installed the software for the adapter, you can now plug the adapter in
to your computer. You should see Windows XP recognize the device. You should
get a pop up balloon from the task tray that tells you your software is installed and
ready for use. You should also now see a flashing light on the adapter (if equipped).
 You may get a message stating that you need to disable Windows Wireless Zero
Configuration. Sometimes the software that comes with the adapter will conflict with
the Windows Wireless System.

The following diagram is an example of what a home network might look like.

6. Now you will need to connect to the hotspot (Access Point/Router).

Most new wireless systems have a Automatic search feature that will locate any
hotspots in the reachable area. The SSID by default is usually the name of the router
(Netgear, Linksys, etc.), and it is usually unsecured, so you should be able to connect
with no problems. More on security later on in the steps.
7. Open the software that came with your adapter, or open the Windows XP Wireless
Configuration utility (this is whatever your device prefers to use). In this example we
have a Netgear Wireless USB adapter. You can access the software from the Start
Menu, and usually from the task tray.
Diagram 1

In the above diagram you will see that the adapter has found the Netgear Router and
there is strong signal strength. Also, there is no security so anyone within range
would be able connect to the router.
This system is configured to use Infrastructure Mode, which is generally what you
would use in a Router situation. You would use Ad Hoc Mode if you did not have
router and just wanted to connect directly to another computer with a wireless
adapter.
Diagram 2

1. If you see an icon like this in the task tray, [double-click] that icon. The above
diagram shows you what Windows Wireless Zero Configuration looks like. In order
to connect to the Access Point, you need to [click] on Connect.
Note: Diagram 1 is Netgear’s configuration utility and would be used separately
from Diagram 2, which is Windows built in utility, Wireless Zero
Configuration.

Wireless Security
An unsecured wireless network is not good for many reasons:
• Anyone can connect to the Router, and therefore use your Internet connection.
• People can connect to your network and see your shared folders etc.
• There is no encryption, so anyone can monitor your Internet traffic.
Read the manual that came with the router in order to secure your Wireless Network.
Most Routers allow you to connect to them through your browser (Internet Explorer).
To connect, you would open your browser and type 192.168.0.1 into the Address bar.
This is the router’s IP address.
You would then need the router’s username and password to connect to the it. For
example, Netgear’s default username is “admin”, and the password is “password” .

Most Routers allow you to run a setup wizard to configure the router. This is
recommended.
• It is a good idea to change the password to get into the router. So for a Netgear
router, you would change it from “password” to something you will remember.
• Check the router manufacturer’s website for the latest software upgrades for
improved security.
• Go into the Wireless Settings and enable WEP, or even better WPA Security. Use
a strong password (not 1234 - usually letters and numbers or, even better,
uppercase numbers. e.g.: ^&*JohnDoe).
When you make changes to the Router, you will have to go back and change the setting
for each computer with an adapter. So, if you set WPA encryption on the Router, you
will need to enter that password to connect the router through the computer. This blocks
other people from connecting. Always [click] Apply to confirm your changes, and it is a
good idea to log out instead of just closing the browser.
Grab your coffee and computer, and go and sit outside - you are wireless!

Remove USB Wireless Adapters

Just like Memory Keys and other peripherals, you need to properly remove an adapter if
you have finished using the device.

• If you see a green arrow in your task tray, [click] on the arrow, and [click]
Safely remove “name of device” hardware. A pop up balloon will let you
know that it is now safe to remove your device.
Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
1. You can’t see your wireless adapter.
− Check the Device Manager. [Right-click] on My Computer, and select
Properties.
− [Click] on the Hardware tab, and then [click] on Device Manager.

In this example, the Adapter has been disabled (it’s hard to see the red x in black
and white).

− In this scenario you would [right-click] on the adapter, and Enable it.

If you see an exclamation mark on the device, it usually means that it was not
installed or configured properly. Either way, the device is not working properly.
− In this scenario, you could try to update the driver by [right-clicking] on the
device and selecting Update driver. You would then need to locate the proper
driver (most likely on the Driver’s CD). If you do not have the driver file, you
can browse the manufacturer’s website in order to download the correct driver.
You could also uninstall the device and start from scratch.
− [Right-click] on the device and select Uninstall. Unplug the adapter. Reload the
software, and then plug the device back in.
2. You can’t connect to the Router (Access Point).
− Open Microsoft’s Wireless Configuration, or the software that came with the
adapter. You will need to input the SSID and the WEP or WPA password if the
adapter was unable to automatically find the Router.
− Make sure they are set to the right channel and/or frequency.
− Make sure the adapter is compatible with the Router. E.g., the Router may be
Wireless g, and your adapter might be Wireless a. Wireless b and g work
together; however, you would also need to make sure that the router is set
properly to recognize both b and g.
− This is a setting on the router, so you would have to connect to the router through
your Internet Browser. Commonly, the address to the router is 192.168.0.1. Type
the username and password. Take a look at the settings.

3. I am connected to the Router, and my Cable/ ADSL in plugged into the Router,
but I have no Internet connection.
− Don’t panic, it happens all the time. Unplug the Cable/ADSL Modem - this is the
hardware device that comes from your Internet Service Provider.
− Unplug your Router.
− Plug your Modem back in and wait for it to come back online (usually a green
light).
− Plug your Router back in and wait for the green light to come on.
− Restart your computer and now try the Internet.
If the problem continues to happen, take the Router back under warranty. If this is
not an option, look on the manufacturer’s website for software updates for your
Router.
Understanding Different Kinds of Networks
What can I do on a home network?
• Share printers, CD-ROM drives and other removable drives between computers.
• Eliminate the need to pass files around from Floppy, Memory Key, or CD to each PC.
A network will allow you to share files directly between PCs.
• Share a single Internet connection between computers (provided your agreement with
your ISP allows this type of sharing).
• Play multiplayer games.
• Store only a single copy of large files, saving space on the other PCs’ hard drives.

What is the difference between a workgroup and a domain–based network?

• A workgroup is two or more computers networked together. A workgroup is often
called a peer-to-peer network because the computers are all peers to one another. No
one machine is in charge, and security and other settings have to be made on each
individual computer.
• On the other hand, in a domain, the networked computers have a definite hierarchy,
in that computers are either servers or clients. Domains have a unified security policy
set on the domain controllers (servers) and users on client machines are authenticated
by a server when logging on. The usual rule of thumb is that workgroups are
manageable up to about ten computers; after that a domain is recommended.
Hardware List
Here is an option for networking two computers:

• Two Ethernet (Network) Cards, one on each PC.

• The simplest way to connect two computers with very little expense is through a
crossover cable. A crossover cable can be bought inexpensively at any computer
store. It looks exactly like a Patch Cable (Category 5 Cable, looks like telephone
cable only thicker) except that it is put together differently in order to connect the two
computers.
The problem with networking two computers via a crossover cable is that it requires
the use of your Ethernet Cards (Network Cards), so you would need to have a second
card in the computer to also connect to the Internet.
Here is an option for networking two or more computers:

• Network cards for each computer, or Wireless adapters.

• Patch cables for each computer. You won’t need patch cables if you are using a
Wireless adapter.
• Ethernet hub, Switch, or Router (can also be a Wireless Router). The best of these
options is the Router, especially if you wish to go wireless. The other benefit is that
the Router can hook directly into the ADSL or Cable Modem to provide an Internet
connection for all computers. It also provides other Internet Security Options, like a
hardware firewall.

Each computer is assigned a unique IP Address through the Router.

Share Files and Printers Through a Network
In this section, you will learn how to join computers to the same Workgroup, assign each
PC a unique computer name, and share files and printers across the Network. You will
not be able to complete this lesson at the College because we are already set up on a
Domain Network. You can, however, learn how to share folders on the Network at the
College. If you have two computers at home with the right hardware to set up a network,
you can complete this exercise.
The computers at the College are joined to a domain, so you will not see some of the
same options in the Control Panel as the following diagrams. The following instructions
are for Windows XP users who want o set their computers up on a Workgroup Network
for the first time.

Setting Up Your Network

There are several ways to begin setting up your network.
1. Physically cable the computers (and hubs or routers) together. Of course, you won’t
need to do this if you’ve chosen to go the wireless route. You will need a wireless
Router and Wireless adapter on each machine.

If you’re installing an Ethernet network and have a lot of cabling work to do, you
may prefer to get a professional to come in and do this work for you. It won’t be
cheap, but you can be sure you get the job done correctly and hopefully with minimal
damage done to walls, ceilings and floors.
2. Turn on all of the computers.
3. Run the Network Setup Wizard on the host computer. [Click] Start, Control Panel,
Network And Internet Connections, Setup Or Change Your Home Or Small
Office Network.
4. [Click] Next >.

5. If you are using a Wireless adapter to connect to an Access Point (Router), then you
will need to ignore the Ethernet Card. This is for when you want to connect a Cable
to the Ethernet card.

If you are using wires to connect to the Router, you will need to plug the wire into the
back of your computer (to the Ethernet Card), and then to the back of the Router.
This screen is basically telling you that if you want to use the Ethernet card, you will
need to connect the wires.
In this case, we are using a wireless adapter, so we will check Ignore the
disconnected network hardware, and [click] Next >.
6. For this step, you will select the method that resembles your computer connection
type. For now, select Other and click Next >.

7. Most of the time, people have a Router or Hub with computers connected to it. You
would make the above selection if you have a router or hub.

By [clicking] View an example,

you can see a diagram that should
look similar to the setup you are
using in your home.

8. [Click] Next > to continue once you have found the right method.
9. Each computer should have a different name that distinguishes it on the network.
This is how you will know which computer you are connected to on the network
(Upstairs Computer, Dell, Laptop etc.). You can also give the computer a description
to further help distinguish the computers.

10. You then will need to name your network. Using MSHOME, or WORKGROUP is
not as secure as creating your own name for the Network. Computers by default use
MSHOME or WORKGROUP.

If you are at an airport and connected to a Wireless Access Point, people can easily
join your network because, MSHOME is the Network most people are connected to
by default.
11. [Click] Next > when you have typed in a name for your Network.
12. Normally you would want to Turn on file and printer sharing, because this is the
reason you are Networking computer together.
13. [Click] Next >.

14. You will need to [click] Yes in order to begin file and printer sharing. If you have
Windows Firewall or a Third Party Firewall, and a Router with a WPA password, File
and Printer Sharing is OK.

15. Read through the summary of settings. [Click] Next > to Apply the changes to your
PC.
 Windows will now apply your new changes.

Each computer needs to join the same WORKGROUP (Network), which in this
example was JONDOEINC.
You can create a Network Setup Disk that will make all of the changes to your other
computers. This is more for other computers that are not running Windows XP.
Making a Setup Disk is the same as running the Network Setup Wizard from the
Control Panel.
16. To Create a Network Setup Disk, [click] Next >.
17. This screen gives you the instructions for creating a Network Setup Disk. If you are
running Windows XP on every machine, you don’t need to create a Network Setup
Disk, just run the Network Setup Wizard on each machine, and make sure that you
join the same workgroup name (in the example JOHNDOEINC).
18. You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take place.
Now that all computers are on the same Network, and turned on, they can see each
other on the Network.
19. Open My Computer from the Desktop or the Start Menu.

You should see a Shared Documents Folders with a hand holding the folder. The hand
represents a Shared Folder. This means that the computer you are on is sharing this folder
with the rest of the computers (all the computers can see this folder). You can share any
folder that you would like on your computer.
20. [Right-click] on any folder you wish to share, and select the Sharing tab.
21. Within the Sharing tab, check Share this folder on the network, and also check
Allow network users to change my files (if you want to grant full permission to
this folder, otherwise they can only look at the files, and they cannot alter them).

Using Your Network

Once you have your network up and running, you can easily access other computers on
the network via My Network Places by [clicking] Start, My Network Places.
The Task Pane in My Network Places lets you access computers on your network and
adjust settings.

The Task Pane in My Network Places lets you view your network connections and view
each of the computers in your workgroup (the workgroup is all computers on a network
that share the same workgroup name. By default, XP gives all computers on your home
network the workgroup name MSHOME (although you can change this if you wish).
When you initially open My Network Places, you’ll see icons for the Shared Files folder
of each of the active network computers.
Access Shared Folders
It is time consuming to always have go to My Network places in order to located shared
folders.
There are a variety of ways to access a shared folder:
1. [Click] Start, My Network Places, View Workgroup Computers.
2. [Click] the computer whose files you wish to access and then [click] the shared
folder.
3. You can create shortcuts to shared folders to make them easier to access.

Map a Network Drive

You can map a network drive in order to map a shared folder on that drive.
1. From My Computer, [click] on Tools, Map Network Drive…

2. Pick a drive letter, then browse to locate the folder you wish to map to (it can be on
any computer sharing a folder).
If you select Reconnect at logon, the drive will stay connected (it will only work
however when the other computer is also turned on).
Sharing Printers
When you ran the Network Setup Wizard, you allowed Printer Sharing. Your default
printer will now be shared among computers in your workgroup.
1. If you want to share another printer, you will open Printers and Faxes from the
Start Menu.

2. [Right-click] on the printer you wish to share and select Sharing.

3. Select Share this Printer. Give the printer a name for the other computers to
recognize.
4. You will then need to install the shared printer from the other computers. This can be
done from the Add Printer button within the Printers and Faxes. Search for the
printer on the network. You may need to have the Printers CD in order to install it on
the separate computers.
5. In order to use the shared files or shared printers on a Network, the computer that is
sharing the files and printers will need to be turned on.
Good luck with the New Network!