Network Setup

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This section is divided into two questions:

  1. What is needed for a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) LAN?
  2. How do I set up a P2P LAN?

 

P2P Needs

P2P LAN stands for peer-to-peer local area network.

Essentially a P2P LAN is a small, isolated computer network linking two or more computers together. The key is that there are only a few computers in this network and there is no central server. The computers in the network share resources such as printers and Internet access. Each device on the network can be shared, but to do so the command has to be sent to share the device. This is simply done with a right click on the device and then click "share". 

A P2P LAN is relatively easy to set-up. It requires some specific hardware, software and wiring:

Hardware 

Besides the computers and printers and other devices that you will want to have connected to the network, you will need to have a network card installed for each device. 

Network cards are very affordable, with good quality cards ranging in prices from $10 - $40. Most new computers are being shipped with Ethernet NIC (network interface card) cards already installed. Otherwise, 10/100 MB Ethernet cards are the preferred choice. 

Software

Network cards require specific drivers to be able to function on the network. These drivers are included on cd-roms when the network card is purchased. If the card is pre-installed in a new computer, the drivers will already be installed as well. 

Microsoft Windows 98 and newer utilize plug and play for many network card drivers. 

Typically, the software you need for setting up a P2P LAN is included with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP, NT, MacOs and Linux. Apple and Linux platforms may require proprietary software to recognize the drivers. This will depend upon the version and the card.

Settings

Different versions of networking software will have different requirements, but essentially you will need to check the following settings:
Identification: Each computer requires a unique name to be identifiable to others on the network. Be careful with choosing the name. Location is often a good choice as computers tend to stay in the same place. Computer #1 or Desktop #2 are also good choices. The LAN will also need to be given a name. "Workgroup" will work.
Services - install Remote Access Services for Internet access
Protocols - TCP/IP including:
IP address
DNS
WINS
Routing
Adapters - make sure that your adapter appears listed
Bindings

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Setting Up Your P2P LAN

There are three components to setting up a P2P LAN:

 

  1. Installing the network cards and the software that controls the protocols. 
  2. Connect the cards in each computer and device with the right cables. 
  3. Select the resources you want to share (printers, folders, drives, etc.)


If you are starting from scratch and purchasing new equipment for your network, ask that your computers come installed with Ethernet cards and the software required. As mentioned earlier, most platforms come with networking protocols already in place. 

 

Continue to Protocols

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Last modified: Sunday November 30, 2003.