If one has more than one computer under his/her disposal then those computers can be connected together using a network. A network allows scanner, CD-writer, Hard Disk Drive, printer etc. Connected to one computer on the networks to be shared by all other computers connected to the network.
="color: red;">Setting Up a Network
Some times back, network installation was a complex job, but with the arrival of plug and play (PnP) devices, PnP operating systems and simple network such as 10Base-T, this process has become quite easy.
With the hardware setup, software setup is a very important part of the network installation. Nearly all networks use software drivers to enable their networking features, give access to shared resources, passing data through the network adapter, and accessing data from remote computers etc.
when using a network, hardware and software at the sending and receiving end must match. The two ends of the network must use the same networking protocol.
The protocol defines
- The size of the blocks of bytes transferred between computers,
- The addressed added to each block of bytes
- The means of controlling network access and routing the data, and
- ways to recover when an error appears in the data.
For a simple home or small business network, a low end computer network will be more then enough.
If your use is simple sharing of data between computers and sharing of hardware devices, such as printer, scanner, CD-ROM drive etc. Then use windows operating system (windows-98 or higher) as your networking software, It will meet all these requirements.
Preparation For Network Installation
The first step in installing any network is planning-deciding exactly what you want the network to do-then you need to find out how to do it.
The hardware for putting together a peer to peer 10Base-T network comprises three parts
You''ll need one 10Base-T network adapter for every computer you want to connect to the network. The network adapter provides the connection between computer and the network cable.
All 10Base-T network adapters provide the same basic functions, although some have more feature than others. Any 10base-T adapter can be used, provided it us supported directly by the windows or it has a windows driver.
Some network adapters have facility for placing optional boot ROMs, which allows computers to boot up from a remote disk drive, but this feature is more applicable to client-server type installation, rather that to the peer to peer type networks.
10base-T network is a peer to peer network system, in this network system every PC is equal. Each computer can share files and other resources (such as printers) among one another. They are equally, each as the peer (equal) of the others, so this scheme is called peer-to-peer networking.
In this peer-to-peer scheme there is not dedicated files server, all computers can have their own, local storage, and each computer can be granted access to the drives and printers connected to the others.
Wiring
A simple 10Base-T network use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. Ordinary modular telephone cables are unsuitable for 10base-T because these cables are flat and lack the needed twists.
The twist in the twisted pair cable minimize noise and interference.
Ordinary modular telephone cables use for-wire RJ-11 connectors that will fit into 10Base-T connectors but won't connect with all of the necessary signals. A 10base-T jack is designed to accept eight-wire RJ-45 connectors even though only four of the connections are active.
If all your PCs are in one room or reasonably close to each other then the best choice is to buy-made RJ-45 cables, which are available in standard length (for example 10, 25, 50 and 100 feet). After making connection, any extra cable can be loosely coiled up without any problem.
The only restriction imposed by 10Base-T is that the length of cable between PC and hub cannot exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
HUBS
If you want to network more than two computers then you'll need at least one hub for your network.
A hub is simply a box with circuitry inside and number of jacks for RJ-45 plugs on the back. The circuitry inside links the 10Base-T cables together.
Hubs are distinguished by the number of features that offer. But most of those features are designed to make the network administrator's job easier and are unnecessary in a small (five or less computers) peer to peer network. For such smaller system, and simple hub will be all one needs.
The first step in wiring your network is to determine the mist convenient location to put the 10Base-T hub. One can always set the hub on or under a desk, adjacent to a PC, or wherever is convenient.
The important consideration with locating the hub is that it should be put in a convenient location, out of the way but easy to reach. Ideally, It should be kept at the exact center of the computers it serves. This will minimize wiring hassles.
As long as one does not violate the 10Base-T wiring limitations, the hub can be placed anywhere.
Cable Installation
Once you've set a location for each computers and the hub, you can start the wiring. You need to take one cable from each computer to the hub. One can use ready-made cables with modular connectors crimped on each ends, or using special crimping tool to crimp modular connectors on the cables, one can make required cables.
The first step in installing any network is planning-deciding exactly what you want the network to do-then you need to find out how to do it.
The hardware for putting together a peer to peer 10Base-T network comprises three parts
- network/host adapter in each computer
- a hub and
- wire/cable that links them together.
You''ll need one 10Base-T network adapter for every computer you want to connect to the network. The network adapter provides the connection between computer and the network cable.
All 10Base-T network adapters provide the same basic functions, although some have more feature than others. Any 10base-T adapter can be used, provided it us supported directly by the windows or it has a windows driver.
Some network adapters have facility for placing optional boot ROMs, which allows computers to boot up from a remote disk drive, but this feature is more applicable to client-server type installation, rather that to the peer to peer type networks.
10base-T network is a peer to peer network system, in this network system every PC is equal. Each computer can share files and other resources (such as printers) among one another. They are equally, each as the peer (equal) of the others, so this scheme is called peer-to-peer networking.
In this peer-to-peer scheme there is not dedicated files server, all computers can have their own, local storage, and each computer can be granted access to the drives and printers connected to the others.
Wiring
A simple 10Base-T network use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. Ordinary modular telephone cables are unsuitable for 10base-T because these cables are flat and lack the needed twists.
The twist in the twisted pair cable minimize noise and interference.
Ordinary modular telephone cables use for-wire RJ-11 connectors that will fit into 10Base-T connectors but won't connect with all of the necessary signals. A 10base-T jack is designed to accept eight-wire RJ-45 connectors even though only four of the connections are active.
If all your PCs are in one room or reasonably close to each other then the best choice is to buy-made RJ-45 cables, which are available in standard length (for example 10, 25, 50 and 100 feet). After making connection, any extra cable can be loosely coiled up without any problem.
The only restriction imposed by 10Base-T is that the length of cable between PC and hub cannot exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
HUBS
If you want to network more than two computers then you'll need at least one hub for your network.
A hub is simply a box with circuitry inside and number of jacks for RJ-45 plugs on the back. The circuitry inside links the 10Base-T cables together.
Hubs are distinguished by the number of features that offer. But most of those features are designed to make the network administrator's job easier and are unnecessary in a small (five or less computers) peer to peer network. For such smaller system, and simple hub will be all one needs.
The first step in wiring your network is to determine the mist convenient location to put the 10Base-T hub. One can always set the hub on or under a desk, adjacent to a PC, or wherever is convenient.
The important consideration with locating the hub is that it should be put in a convenient location, out of the way but easy to reach. Ideally, It should be kept at the exact center of the computers it serves. This will minimize wiring hassles.
As long as one does not violate the 10Base-T wiring limitations, the hub can be placed anywhere.
Cable Installation
Once you've set a location for each computers and the hub, you can start the wiring. You need to take one cable from each computer to the hub. One can use ready-made cables with modular connectors crimped on each ends, or using special crimping tool to crimp modular connectors on the cables, one can make required cables.
Network Configuration
Once the wiring is done, prepare the network adapter for each computer. Typically, a network adapter requires an interrupt number and base address from your system resources.
If the adapter you choose doesn't follow the plug-and-play standard, you can assign resources using DIP switches or jumps on each network adapter or through the setup software accompanying the adapter.
If you are using a plug and play (PnP) network host adapter then windows will automatically assign these resource value to the adapter. In a non-PnP adapter card, configure the card to match the settings you've chosen. This could be done with jumpers or switches provided on the card.
- After configuring the card, shut down the computer and install the network adapter in your computer. unplug the computers power cable, remove the cover, and remove a blank retaining bracket. fro the empty expansion slot you want to use for the adapter board.
- now simply slide the adapter board into empty expansion slot. Be sure to screw the card tightly to retaining bracket. The screw will prevent board from dislodging when plugging in the network cable, it will also provide a better ground which will improve network reliability.
Before reinstalling system cover, plug it in and switch it on to make sure that the network adapter card doesn't accidentally interfere with some other system function. Once you're sure all is well, shut down and turn off the system and reinstall its cover.
Repeat this process for each computer in your network.
Next step is network software/driver installation.
Under Windows 98, you can install the network adapter in two ways.
- You can step through the Add New Hardware Wizard from Control Panel
- Or you can use the Network properties sheet, available from the control Panel
To use the Network properties sheet, double click on the network icon under Control Panel. From the next screen, click on Add, ad you'll see a "Select Network Component" menu.
Click on the Adapter and click the Add button. Windows will then let you choose a manufacturer and model of network adapter to install. Select the board you want to install or choose a suitable compatible board.
Once you've selected an adapter, click OK. Windows will immediately install all the drivers required not only by the adapter but also all the services and protocols required to get your network working.
When windows finishes with the installation, you'll see a revised Network Sheet listing everything that the operating system has installed.
If Windows doesn't prompt you for the names you want to use for your computer and the working group, then select the Identification tab and enter the names.
Choose descriptive names such as Jeff Computer, Finance, Accounts, DTP Section, and so on.
Once you've finished, click OK. Click OK in the next screen as well, and Windows will tell you to reboot/restart your system.
Finally you are ready to link your network together. Slide the RJ-45 plug at one end of the cable into the RJ-45 jack at the back of each computer, in your network card then plug the other end of each cable into the hub.
Switch on the hub, and all the computers are now a part of the network.
Now you need to setup the Windows operating system to share printer, disk drives and other resources among the computers connected to the network.
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