This FAQ text is copyright dslreports.com Reproduction of all or part only with our permission.. This FAQ is edited by: graffixx , SYNACK It was last modified on 2020-09-25 06:47:12
1 GeneralWhat is this FAQ?(F)requently (A)sked (Q)uestions for Networking forum. Got one to add? Please feel free to do so.
Can anyone contribute?Yes! Please allow up to 48 hours for your forum host (graffixx) to approve the submissions. If after 48 hours and you have not seen your submission, please IM the forum Host. What are the forum posting rules?1. This is MY forum. I run it the way I see fit 2. Absolutely no flaming! 3. Do not respond to flames 4. Report flamers to the forum Host or to a moderator online 5. Moderator decisions are final and are NOT open for discussion. Problems? See rule #1 6. Keep all related questions/problems in ONE thread. 7. Do not post your questions regarding your problems in someone else's thread. Start a new one instead. 8. Provide as much details as you can when posting. That includes: - What OS you're running? - Your connection service (cable, dsl, etc) - Your ISP - Your setup (cable/dslr router, hub, switches) - Provide specific hardware model and/or software version
9. If you must attach an image, limit the width to 450 pixels and in JPEG or GIF format to avoid "page stretch". 10. Please review DSLR Terms of Use, Moderation and Censorship, and Rules on PostingNote: The rules above are subject to change at any given time. Beware, battery not included!CIDR Conversion ChartIs Networking Illegal?Broadband and dialup Internet access is largely unregulated. Service providers have wide latitude to control how customers use the service. What is legal is whatever the ISP wants to allow, what is illegal is whatever the ISP wants to prohibit. Service is a contract between customer and provider, the contract defines legality. If the providers acceptable use policy (AUP) does not meet your needs speak with your wallet and find another service provider. ISP networking policies range from: support, non-support, to prohibit.
When I investigated broadband service I contacted the local Cable Company. They stated networks were not permitted. Then I contacted the local Telco they stated networks were not supported. My dialup supplier has no written policy pertaining to use of networks.
Much confusion exists between the term "not supported" and "not permitted." ISPs want to minimize support cost. One way they accomplish this is to refuse to support networks. This does not mean you cannot connect a network but if you do the ISP is under no obligation to resolve problems.
So far this discussion is about setting up a network that does not involve the ISP. This commonly uses a technique call Network Address Translation (NAT) to share a single IP address. As far as the service provider is concerned only a single customer device is connected to the service. There are many hardware and software packages on the market that allow a single connection to be shared. Whether it is legal to do so is solely a function of ISP policy.
An alternative, especially if you want to run multiple servers, is to have the ISP assign multiple IP addresses. ISPs typically market this as an optional service at additional monthly cost.
2 Broadband Connection SharingOverview - Cable/DSL SharingAn IP Address is a unique identifier that your Internet Service Provider ( ISP) uses to tell your computer apart from the millions of other computers on the Internet. This whole business of having to "share" your broadband connection is usually due to the fact that your ISP will only support one IP address. A. Multiple IP AddressesSome ISPs, however, will gladly sell you more than one IP address for your other computers a for a nice monthly fee. Advantages •Simplest to set up... and your ISP will help you, since they sell this service! •Gives you the most flexible connection. You get the same access from all your computers. •Doesn't require multiple NICs in a computer. •Computers operate independently. Only the computer accessing the network (and the hub it's connected to) need to be on. •Works with any operating system, as long as TCP/IP is supported
Disadvantages •There is usually a monthly cost. •All of your LAN traffic could be exposed to the Internet. •All of your computers are exposed to possible hacking, if they are not properly secured.
B. Using a Proxy ServerA proxy server is a software application that takes the one IP address that you get from your ISP and routes the data to and from the other computers on your LAN though it. Advantages •No monthly cost. •Can be expanded to handle many computers. •Flexible control over who can access the Internet, when, and where from (access management).
Disadvantages •Requires that the computer running the proxy program be running for other computers to access the Internet. •Need to set the internet applications in each Client computer to point to the Proxy computer. (This is a major pain if one of your Client machines is a laptop that you use in more than one network.) •Can be difficult to set up. •Doesn't support some applications, especially multi-player web gaming. •No products available for Macintosh OS.
C. Using Linux (or other UNIX variants)Linux is an (essentially) free version of Unix that is available for both the Intel and Motorola computing platforms. It can be configured in various ways to allow you to share your connection. Advantages •Free. •Very flexible. •Can run on slow, old (486) machines.
Disadvantages •Usually requires a dedicated computer. •BIG learning curve. •Hard, if not impossible, to set up by non-technical users.
D. Using Microsoft NT If you are using NT Workstation or Server, and your ISP can route multiple IP addresses to you, you can use its built-in routing capabilities. Routing of multiple addresses (usually all or some of a Class C subnet) is not common for cable modem ISPs, and if they will do it, you'll be charged an extra fee. So you'll probably have to use one of the other sharing options. Advantages •Free (if you're using NT)
Disadvantages •Moderate learning curve. •Difficult to set up by non-technical users.
E. Hardware routers/firewallsYes, you can actually go buy a dedicated box to handle sharing your network connection. This solution may be suitable more for business applications with many users. Prices, however, are coming within home user range, as "home networking" is recognized as a growing market. Advantages •Higher throughput than software + computer solutions •Doesn't require a dedicated computer. •Only need one NIC per computer. •Reliable and runs without much, if any attention, once you set it up. •Provides firewall protection
Disadvantages •Higher cost than using part of an existing computer. •Still requires configuration. •May not support VPN or tunneling at all, or may have only limited support.
There are two choices: DSL & Cable Sharing A. For external ethernet (RJ45) modems, you have two (2) choices . Get a cable/dsl router (recommended), OR use a sharing software. See Networking FAQ #2286. B. For internal or USB modems, you can only use a sharing software (in most cases). See Networking FAQ #2270. How do I enable Simple File Sharing in Windows XP ProfessionalThis is a commonly overlooked item in Windows XP Professional. This applies to users with or without Service Pack 1. Windows XP Home edition does not have this option, as it is automatically enabled by default. Without this option enabled, you will be using the old style sharing options from Windows 2000 and back. Sharing between 2 Windows XP machines is MUCH simplified it you make sure to have this option enabled.
To enable this option, follow these steps:
My Computer >> Tools >> Folder Options >> View >> (scroll to bottom) >> CHECK Use simple file sharing (Recommended)
2.1 Sharing - Using a Broadband RouterHow do I share my connection using a cable/dsl router?I have a USB ADSL modem, what router can I use?The Draytek USB Router works with ADSL Modems This router supports the following modems: Alcatel Speed Touch USB (Bell South?) V122.0K V131.4R V134.4R V140.3R DynaMite USB modem ECI USB Modem V1.10.0010.3E V1.11.0004Q-A V1.11.0007Q-A Fujitsu USB Modem V1.10.0010Q V1.11.0007Q-A Aztech DSL100U USB Modem V1.09.0001E Asus DSL USB Modem V1.10.0010Q Prolink ADSL Modem V1.09.0008E Actiontec Home DSL Modem V2.10.27.0 Efficient Networks SpeedStream V1.2.1.39 - Home page Taiwan- Homepage UK- Review & Purchase - DSLR thread of a satisfied userHow can I network my ATTBI connection?Networking Your ATTBI Connection Networking your ATTBI connection for an in-home network is not that difficult. Following the instructions below will have you sharing the broadband connection, files, and printers in no time. Hardware Setup The first step is to configure all the hardware. This includes the PCs and the router or router/hub and CAT5 cable connections. The set-up should look as follows for a multi-port router (i.e. a NetGear RT314) configuration Figure 1 - Hardware Set Up with Multiport Router or this for a single port router (i.e. a NetGear RT311) and hub configuration Figure 2 - Hardware Set Up with Single Port Router and Hub
PC Network Settings ConfigurationThe next step is to configure the PCs. Below are steps to configure Windows 98/Windows ME and Windows XP PCs. Chose the one(s) appropriate for the PCs in your set-up. The first step is to select unique names for each PC. In the following examples, the Windows 98 PC is names BAKER, the Windows ME PC is named EPSILON, and the Windows XP machine is named ALPHA. The names may be any alphanumeric combination, but it helps if you seek it simple. Common practices include naming the machines after Greek letters, the planets, or states. If you want, you can call them PC1, PC2, etc or Y837Ik, 234IopLi, and Friui4098 its up to you. You must also pick a common Workgroup name for the PCs. In the example below, the Workgroup name is ATTBI. It could just as easily be FRED or R3489Iuj. The important thing to remember is that for the PCs to share files and printers, they must share a common Workgroup name. Windows 98/ME PC ConfigurationPC IdentificationTo configure the Windows 98 or ME PC, right click on the Network Neighborhood icon on the desktop, and select Properties. In the pop-up window, select the Identification tab. The following examples show the screens that you can expect to see for each type of machine. Set the desired Workgroup name and computer name in the appropriate boxes as shown below Figure 3 Win98 PC Identification Figure 4 - WinME PC Identification IP Configuration Next, select the Configuration tab. You have the choice of either using DHCP or setting your IP to a static value. I choose to use static values in my home network because it makes it very straight forward if it becomes necessary to map a port through the router to a particular machine. Set the IP to a static value as follows StaticOn the IP Address tab, click the Specify an IP Address radio button, and then set a unique, local IP value in a range that is recognizable by your router. The following is an example of PCs connected to a router (such as the NetGear RT314) with the NetGear default router IP address of 192.168.0.1. To be able to see the router, the IP selected must fit within the subnet of the router (in this case, and in most cases 255.255.255.0 will do for a subnet mask). As such, I have selected IPs of 192.168.0.3 and 192.168.0.5 for these PCs, and set the subnets to be the same as the routers subnet. Note that if you are using a LinkSys router, the default IP for the router is 192.168.100.1; therefore, if these PCs were to be connected to a LinkSys router, then IPs of 192.168.100.3 and 192.168.100.5 would be more appropriate. Note that you typically can set the private IP of your router to any of the private IPs that are standard, but I see no real benefit to changing it from the manufacturers default value, unless you are building a more complex network, which is beyond the scope of this writing. Figure 5 Win98 PC Static IP Address Figure 6 - WinME PC Static IP Address DynamicIf you chose to use DHCP, instead of specifying an IP in the above box, select the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button, and leave the lower boxes blank. This will allow your router to specify an IP for the PC (assuming the router is set-up to perform the DHCP function, as is the default for most home-use routers). DNS Configuration StaticSetting the DNS settings is similar. In the following example, I have chosen to set the DNS addresses statically as well, and have used a known good ATTBI DNS address (for the WinME machine, two known good ATTBI DNS addresses), and, as a final backup, a DNS from a local university. I could just have easily specified only the router, but in doing so, it adds additional work for the router, and when I have done in the past, it has led to DNS delays that result in slower loading of web pages. To add an address to the list, enter the address in the box immediately under DNS Server Search Order, then click the Add button. Note that the Host name and Domain name are filed in. This information is the same as is set in the router. This information can be set in your router, and does not have any default values. I choose to name the router RT314A, but could have called if Charlie if I wanted to. Consult your router set-up instructions for the method of doing this. The domain name that I set is the domain name that the router receives from the ISP. Again, consult the router instructions for how to determine and/or set this name. There seems to be some confusion as to whether or not it is necessary to set the domain name when using static DNS information. I am not an expert in this area, but I know that the performance seems more reliable with it set (in my case to attbi.com), so I leave it the way it is. Figure 7 Win98 PC Static DNS Configuration Figure 8 - WinME PC Static DNS Configuration DynamicIf you are using DHCP to obtain an IP address, instead of specifying fixed DNS servers, it is better to select the Disable DNS radio button, and allow the router to perform the DNS function, as is the default. This will allow your router to use the dynamically specified DNS server addresses that it receives when if connects to the ISP to resolve domain names for any computers for which it serves IPs. Gateway Configuration StaticThe last item to configure is the gateway information. For a PC which is using a static IP, it will be necessary to specify the routers IP as the gateway, as is shown in the following example. Again, this example is for a NetGear RT314 router, with a default LAN side IP of 192.168.0.1. If a LinkSys router is used, it will typically have a LAN side IP of 192.168.100.1. Consult your router documentation if in doubt. To add an address to the list, enter the address in the box immediately under New Gateway, then click the Add button. Figure 9 Win98 PC Static Gateway Configuration Figure 10 - WinME PC Static Gateway Configuration DynamicIf you are using DHCP to obtain an IP address, there should not be any need to specify a gateway IP, as this is also provided by the router when it performs its DHCP service. As such, the above can be left blank. WindowsXP Configuration Configuring an XP machine is a little different. PC IdentificationTo configure the WindowsXP identification, go to the control panel, and select the System Properties icon. A window similar to Figure 11 should appear. Select the Computer Name tab, and hit the Change button. A window similar to Figure 12 should appear. Set the desired computer name and Workgroup name, then click OK. Figure 11 WinXP System Properties Figure 12 WinXP Name Setting Window IP and DNS Configuration StaticThe next step is to set the IP and DNS addresses for the WindowsXP machine. From the control panel, select Local Area Connections. The following window should appear. Figure 13 WinXP Local Area Connections Click the Properties button, and the following should appear. Figure 14 WinXP Local Area Connection Properties Scroll to the Internet Protocol item in the stack, then click on the Properties button. The following window should appear. Figure 15 WinXP IP and DNS Static Settings Click the Specify an IP Address radio button, and then set a unique, local IP value in a range that is recognizable by your router. The following is an example of a PC connected to a router (such as the NetGear RT314) with the NetGear default router IP address of 192.168.0.1. To be able to see the router, the IP selected must fit within the subnet of the router (in this case, and in most cases 255.255.255.0 will do for a subnet mask). As such, I have selected an IP of 192.168.0.4 for this PC, and set the subnet to be the same as the routers subnet. Note that if you are using a LinkSys router, the default IP for the router is 192.168.100.1; therefore, if this PC were to be connected to a LinkSys router, then an IP of 192.168.100.4 would be more appropriate. Note that you typically can set the private IP of your router to any of the private IPs that are standard, but I see no real benefit to changing it from the manufacturers default value, unless you are building a more complex network, which is beyond the scope of this writing. Setting the DNS settings is similar. In the above example, I have chosen to set the DNS addresses statically as well, and have used a known good ATTBI DNS address (for the WinME machine, two known good ATTBI DNS addresses), and, as a final backup, a DNS from a local university. I could just have easily specified only the router, but in doing so, it adds additional work for the router, and when I have done in the past, it has led to DNS delays that result in slower loading of web pages. DynamicIf you chose to use DHCP, instead of specifying an IP in the above box, select the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button, and leave the lower boxes blank. This will allow your router to specify an IP for the PC (assuming the router is set-up to perform the DHCP function, as is the default for most home-use routers). Similarly, if the IP is obtained dynamically, the DNS servers should be set dynamically as well, and the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button should be checked instead. Gateway ConfigurationStaticThe last item to configure is the gateway information. By clicking the Advanced button in the TCP/IP Properties window, the following window should appear. Select the IP Settings tab, and click the Add button in the Default Gateways section of the window. Specify the router address and click OK (not shown). Figure 16 WinXP Gateway Configuration DynamicIf DHCP is used to get an IP address, this step is not necessary.
Testing the Internet ConnectionsAfter having completed the above steps, all your PCs should be able to access the Internet via the cable modem and router. Test each to make sure that they are working properly. Assuming that you can access the Internet, I highly recommend that at this point you visit www.dslreports.com/tweaks and run a tweak test. This will let you know if there are any other changes that you can make to further improve your connection speed. The site provides excellent documentation and tools to help you maximize your broadband connection.
Sharing Files and Printers To share files and printers across your home-network, it is necessary to ensure that file and print sharing are enabled on each PC. To determine if it is installed, perform the following. Win98/WinME Machines For Win98/WinME machines, again right click on the Network Neighborhood icon, and select properties. Figure 16 File and Printer Sharing Item in Stack If File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks is not included in the stack, it will be necessary to add it. This can be done by clicking on Add. The following will appear Figure 18 Adding a Service Next, double-clicking on Service, and the following will appear Figure 19 Selecting the Service Finally, select File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks. Be sure that you have your Windows installation CD handy, as files from the CD may be needed. WinXP Machines For WinXP machines, from the Local Area Connections properties window, if File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not in the stack, click Install and follow the instructions as listed above for Win98/WinME machines. Figure 20 File and Printer Sharing Item in Stack on XP Setting SharesIn order to be able to share files, it is necessary to name a directory or drive on the individual computers and grant sharing privileges to that drive or folder. To do so, from Windows Explorer, select the drive or directory that you wish to share, right click on it and select Sharing from the pull-down menu. The pop-up window that appears allows you to set read/write access and is pretty much self-explanatory. Remember to set a share name to the item you wish to share. If you want to share a printer, do the same from the Printers directory on the machine to which the printer is connected. Once the printer is shared, it can be installed on other machines on the network by clicking Add Printer from the Start Menu->Settings->Printers window on each remote machine. To select the shared printer, after clicking Add Printer, click Next, select Network Printer, and then browse to the shared printer via the Browse button. The rest of the set-up is self-explanatory. Sharing and SecurityWhen sharing files on a home network that is also connected to the Internet, there is a valid concern that some of the data on the PCs in the network may be accessible by someone from outside the network. There are two ways around this. Using NetBeuiOne is to only allow sharing via a non-routable protocol, such as NetBeui. NetBeui is a network protocol that works well for small networks, and can be installed from the Network Neighborhood -> Configuration Properties tab by clicking Add -> Protocol -> Microsoft -> NetBeui. NetBeui does not come with XP, but information on how to install NetBeui on an XP machine is available from the Microsoft Knowledge Base under this article: Q301041. Once NetBeui is installed, on each machine, it is necessary to ensure that file and print sharing only occurs under NetBeui. To do this, from the Network Neighborhood Properties, Configuration Tab, select the TCP/IP > Network card item from the stack, and then click Properties. Select the Bindings tab, and ensure that only the protocol is not allowed to be used for sharing. Next, select the NetBeui > Network card item from the stack, and then click Properties. Select the Bindings tab, and ensure that only the protocol is allowed to be used for sharing. Using TCP/IP Using TCP/IP alone for sharing is possible, but it should not be performed unless additional firewall software is used, and the network is behind a router with a built in firewall. I recommend the use of ZoneAlarm, available from www.zonelabs.com. With ZoneAlarm installed on each machine, file sharing will still be possible, but each machine must be configured to allow access by other machines on either an IP by IP basis, or by use of a range of IPs. This can be done from the ZoneAlarm Security panel, by setting the Local setting to Medium, unchecking the Block Local Servers check box, and then clicking on the Advanced button and adding either the individual IPs of each machine in you home network to the list of allowed local machines under Other Computers, or by adding a range of IPs that covers all the machines in you home network to the list of allowed local machines under Other Computers. This must be done on all machines in order for protected access to be granted. Additional Information Regarding File Sharing on XP MachinesLocal area network access to an XP machine with a hard disk formatted in the NTFS format will limit the files on the XP machine such that users from other machines have access to; you may need to experiment with this a little to get the settings the way you like. There are certain files and directories on the XP machine that cannot be shared via the simplified method discussed herein, but for home networking purposes this should not be a concern. Generally, any files on the XP machine that you want to share should be placed in the "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents" directory or one of its subdirectories. How to link multiple routers1. Power down your routers and your modem and disconnect the modem from any router that it might be connected to. 2. Do the following steps with one computer connecting to each router and no Internet connection. Computer 1 to Router A, and computer 2 to Router B. Neither of these should be to Router Port 1. 3. Connect to each device via its computer and make the following configuration setting Router A Local IP = 192.168.1.1 (This is usually on the setup screen) WAN or Internet should be set to Auto (Also usually on the setup screen) DHCP Enabled (Usually found somewhere under Advanced Routing.) Operating Mode Gateway (Also usually found somewhere under Advanced Routing.) Router B Local IP = 192.168.1.2 WAN or Internet should be set to Auto DHCP Disabled Operating mode Router 4. Power down both Routers. 5. Connect your Modem to the WAN port on Router A. 6. Turn on your modem. Let it establish connectivity. 7. Power up Router A. 8. Connect to Router A and do a DHCP client Release and Renew (Check under Status) 9. You should have an Internet connection from Computer 1. 10. Connect Router A to Router B via Router Port 1on each unit. 11. Power up Router B. 12. Connect to Router A and do a DHCP client Release and Renew. 13. Computer 2 should now have an internet connection. 14. Connect the rest of your computers to the remaining ports on either Router. 15. Check them for connectivity. 16. If necessary, do a DHCP client Release and Renew on each Router after connecting all computers. 17. They all should have Internet connectivity. 18. One problem though, and that is, any computers connected to Router A will not have access to the setup screen on Router B. Heres how to fix that. 19. DO NOT POWER ANYTHING DOWN. 20. Disconnect the modem from the WAN port on Router A and connect it to the WAN port on Router B. 21. Now everything should work.
Why? Because Router B, which is operating as a router not a gateway, will send the Internet data to Router A, which B recognizes as the Gateway and the DHCP server via the Port 1 uplink. Since nothing was powered down during the modem switch out all the IP addresses for the WAN connection are still sitting in Router A. Remember if you must power things down, when powering back up, Modem, Router A and lastly Router B.
{this worked with 2 linksys routers}
2.2 Sharing - Using a Sharing SoftwareHow do I share my connection using a sharing software?For internal modems, the setup will look like and for external modems, the setup will look like and for USB modems, the setup will look like Most popular sharing software are: A. Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
For Win98SE(should be the same for WinME) •For Win2KB. Sygate. Some of its features are: •DMZ Mode Support with ARP Capability
•DNS Forwarding Support for Linux/Win2K clients
•Multiple DNS Support with Auto-Switching Capabilities
C. WinGate. It: •Allows networked computers to simultaneously share an Internet connection.
•Serves as a firewall, prohibiting intruders from accessing your network
•Routes Internet traffic and communication between your network and the Internet.
•Automatically assigns required network addresses to each networked computer
Note: Picture(s) compliments of Greywolf
2.3 Sharing - Using Microsoft ICSHow do I setup ICS for Win98x/ME?How do I setup ICS for Win2K?How do I remove ICS?Why is my ICS still not working?One thing that is often overlooked during ICS setup (Win98SE & ME) is the 'binding' of adapters. In order for internet connection sharing to work, this must be done first as explained Here.How do I network WinXP with Win9x/ME and Win2K?How do I configure a static client for ICS?2.4 Sharing - Third-party SoftwareHow do I use Sygate Home Network?2.5 Sharing - Multiple IPs2.6 Sharing - Mult. Connections or ISPsHow do I use two isps and load balance the connections?There are several ways this can be achieved I will touch upon load balancing and connection teaming in this answer.
Ok there are several cheap ways to add bandwidth to your company for under $150. Surfdoubler (www.vicomsoft.com) is a software solutions. The nexland pro800turbo www.nexland.com is a hardware solution.
To use a software solution you need 3 NICs in a server comp. 2 to connect to the dsl/cable/etc and 1 for your network.
This type of setup will be more reliable than single isp because you can use 2 different ISPs. This is not bonding, so depending on your application you may not get full bandwidth out of the dual connections. But a cable modem and DSL load balanced is a powerful setup and will keep you running when others fall short including expensive solutions with guaranteed uptime.
There are also some complex linux solutions that can be compiled into the linux kernel.
With the software you can also add additional NICs and connections as you see fit. So a person with 2 phone lines could order dsl on both and then order cable modem. The other bonus of this approach is when company XYZ goes out of business you are not out in the cold since you have 2 or more providers.
How do I double my bandwidth on a single download using this solution?The midpoint software uses an advance feature of http spec to split file request up among 2 or more connections and this is down transparent to the user.
The is a good solution, but the best way to achieve a great throughput on a single download is to use midpoint software www.midpoint.com or surfdoubler www.vicomsoft.com along with download accelerator plus.
I stumbled upon this solution by accident actually. While using the surfdoubler software, I downloaded the windows 2000 sp2 in 1/2 the time. I looked at the software and realized to my total surprise that both connections were being used for a singe download.
How? Well it is simple. Download accelerator breaks an ftp download request into equal parts. Using the ftp resume feature it ask for each part of a file in a separate request. The surfdoubler software load balances each request over two connections. When DAP is done with the download it puts the file together as one.
But what really makes these two stand out together is the fact that DAP searches out mirror site for each part of the file. What this means, is that even if the ftp site you are downloading from is not fast enough, the mirror sites will add to the bandwidth of the total download.
For the life of me i do not understand why these two companies do not enter a partnership or merger.
What's the difference between load-balancing and circuit bonding/This question has been raised numerous times regarding multiple DSL/cable connections.
Load balancing is the process of spreading out data streams across different connections. For example, say that we are on a two user network and user one is downloading an ISO. His data will go through connection one (assuming two ISP connections). When user two tries to use the internet, the load balancing router/software senses that connection one is busy and routes user two's data across the second ISP connection. In this situation, having two 1024kbps circuits does not mean that each computer has 2048kbps available to them, only 1024kbps (each computer only can use only one ISP circuit).
Circuit bonding*/muxing is a very different approach to increasing your bandwidth. Unlike load balancing, the bits of all clients are spread across all connections. So, unlike the above example, two 1024kbps circuits will equal 2048kbps (and each computer has all of that bandwidth available, unlike above). However this approach is much more expensive. Circuit bonding requires two routers and two devices called "muxs". One router and "mux" is placed at the ISP end and the other router and "mux" is placed at the customer end. You ISP must support this configuration as well, and often times providers will only do this type of connection with T1 circuits.
*Channel bonding is actually not what happens. Channels refer to a different aspect of communications.
What are some of the dual WAN routers available?Symantec VPN 200 Nexland Pro800 BroDigit NFR3024 Hawking FR24 Xincom XC-DPG402 Xincom XC-DPG502 Xincom XC-DPG602 OvisLink MN200 HotBrick Firewall VPN 600/2 HotBrick Firewall VPN 1200/2 ZyXEL ZyWALL 35 ZyXEL ZyWALL 70 Netgear FVS124G Linksys RV082 Linksys RV016 Linksys RV042 Edimax BR-6104K Xterasys XR-4106 Pheenet BIG-02/4 Dlink DI-LB604 Thanks to tarzanroute and jdepew for the list3.1 How To - GeneralWhat are the general HOWTOs(In alphabetical orders by topics) •Activate File and Printer Sharing •Win9x/ME •Win2K is installed by default
•Browse Master •Checking current network configuration •Decide on names for computer/workgroup and on protocol •Give permission to access resources (sharing) •Making network cables •Mapping a network drive •Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) •Microsoft sharing •Network Boot Disk Creation •Networking •Printing via the Network •Sharing using Home Network Wizard •Sharing a complete Disk •Sharing just a folder •Test network connections •Using NetBEUI? •Virtual Private Networks (VPN) •Wire your home References: Practically Networked, World of Windows Networking, AppDeploy, DUX Computer Digest, homePCnetworkHow do I make a screenshot?•Use ALT-Print Screen SysRq to capture just the active window onto the clip-board.
•Use an imaging editor (MS Paint) to "paste" the image.
•Save as a JPEG or GIF
•Upload the image using the "Got Attachment"
I have PPPoE DSL, how can I tell which software I am using?If you see the following adapters under Network Properties, chances are, you are using....... EnterNET(NTS)
Win9x/ME
RASPPPoE
Win98x/ME
Win2K
WinPoET
Win98x/ME
Win2K
3.2 How To - HardwareHow can I make my own splitter?Ok, for all you guys and gals out there who don't have the cash, or the time to buy, mount, and wire your own splitter, or neither have the supplies to do so, here's your thread! First off you need some supplies, but the list is pretty basic: 1-CAT3 (preferred)outdoor certified telephone wire long enough to reach to your dedicated jack 1-(optional) Telephone jack for the line to run to, you can always just run the line directly to the modem or other device, but it's up to you. 1-Y-splitter 2-Low-Pass regular filters that come in the self-installation packs. 1-screwdriver (flat or phillips) 1 staple gun, or stapler. 1.Ok, you start by locating your MPOE (remember that you must have rights to the box, apartments and other land-lorded places might not approve of this) open the MPOE with your flat-head, or phillips screwdriver. Locate the line which has DSL service on it, and remove the plug from the test jack. 2.Using your Y-splitter, plug it into the test jack where your line was. 3.Now, plug the two filters piggy-backed into one of the jacks (2 is optional, 1 might work fine) plug the line that was in the test jack originally into the end of the filter. 4.If not using a jack, run the line from your modem along your house, and staple to the siding (make sure you have permission to do so) once your reach the MPOE with your line, run the line into the bottom (or wherever the lines go into the box) and plug it into the other-side of the Y-splitter with NO filters on it. 5.Close the MPOE and make sure that it closes all the way with it looking like it did when you opened it. And your finished! Please make sure that any city ordinances, or other building laws do not apply. Make sure that the wiring if running along the house, it Outdoor certified. Please don't hold me responsible for anything that may happen to your telephone service while in the process of installation, as the risks are as great of installing any telephone equipment, including a Siecor Splitter. Have fun! 3.3 How To - SoftwareHow do I setup NetBEUI?I am using NetBEUI but how can I confirm if the setup is correct?How do I share files and folders in WinXP Pro?How do I share files and folders in WinXP Home?What software is recommended to change different TCP/IP profiles?How to Prevent a Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me Logon Prompt at Startup?How to access files via Security in WinXP Prof?How do I connect and disconnect network drives using WinXP?How Do I enable/disable Internet Connection Firewall on Windows XP.How To Increase Internet Speed When Connected to a VPNWhat this does is enable a feature commonly known as Split Tunneling. This allows normal internet traffic, such as browsing the web or listening to a music/radio stream from your favorite station, to continue to use your internet connection, rather than the connection of the VPN. A note of caution though: Some IT departments do not want you to enable split tunneling, as it can decrease the security of the VPN to a certain degree, but that subject is out of the scope of this article. Please check with your IT Department before enabling Split Tunneling in a company environment. This FAQ entry assumes you will be using Microsoft's VPN Client built into Windows. These directions relate exactly to Windows XP.
- Browse to Network Connections
- Right click on the VPN connection and go to Properties
- Go to the Network Tab
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.
- Click on Advanced
- Uncheck the box that says "Use Default Gateway on remote Network" (defaults to checked in XP)
4.1 LAN - Wired EthernetWhat is wired ethernet?Ethernet IEEE 802.3 is the most common local network technology used today. It is based on CSMA/CD(Carrier Sense Multiple Access With Collision Detection) scheme. Think of Ethernet as a telephone party line. Before speaking you listen to see if anyone else is talking. If no one is talking then you start. It is possible that several people may start talking at the same time. That is a collision; no one can understand what is being said. When this occurs everyone stops talking for a while. When the line is idle they try again. Each party waits a different length of time to minimize the chance of colliding again. CDMA/CD imposes a number of design constraints on the network. The minimum packet size must be longer then the end-to-end propagation delay of the system. This insures the transmitter is still transmitting when the collision occurs allowing retries to be done by the network layer. Power levels must be set to allow collision detection.
When Ethernet was developed it used a fat coax cable with taps clamped on at prescribed intervals. Today the most common type of Ethernet wiring is unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper cable consisting of 4 pairs of wire terminated with 8 conductor jacks similar to those used for telephone wiring. This has dramatically reduced the cost of implementing a LAN.
Media Access Controller (MAC) Address
Each Ethernet interface has a unique address called the MAC address. This allows each interface to be uniquely addressed. This is not the same as the IP address that will be discussed later.
Excerpt from Assigned Ethernet numbers:
Ethernet hardware addresses are 48 bits, expressed as 12 hexadecimal digits (0-9, plus A-F, capitalized). These 12 hex digits consist of the first/left 6 digits (which should match the vendor of the Ethernet interface within the station) and the last/right 6 digits which specify the interface serial number for that interface vendor.
These high-order 3 octets (6 hex digits) are also known as the
Organizationally Unique Identifier or OUI.
Ethernet addresses might be written unhyphenated (e.g., 123456789ABC), or with one hyphen (e.g., 123456-789ABC), but should be written hyphenated by octets (e.g., 12-34-56-78-9A-BC).
These addresses are physical station addresses, not multicast nor
broadcast, so the second hex digit (reading from the left) will be even, not odd.
10Mbps - 100Mbps - 1Gbps - 10Gbps
Initially UTP Ethernet operated at 10 million bits per second (10Mbp/s). Fast Ethernet increased speed to 100 million bits per second over Category 5 wiring 100Mbp/s). Gigabit Ethernet is 10 times faster then Fast Ethernet (1,000Mbp/s). During Gigabit Ethernet development the Cat5 specification was tightened resulting in Cat5e. Work is in progress to increase Ethernet speed by another factor of 10 to 10 Gigabits per second.
Ethernet Hubs and Switches
UTP Ethernet is a point-to-point topology electrically even though logically it is a party line. Each Ethernet interface must be directly connected to another Ethernet Interface. Hubs regenerate Ethernet signals and allow devices to talk to each other, remember the party line analogy. Cable must run directly between the outlet and the hub it cannot be spliced or daisy chained. CDMA/CA scheme used by Ethernet places a limit on the number of wire segments and how many hubs can be used. For 10Mbps Ethernet use the 5-4-3 rule, maximum of 5 wire segments and 4 hubs between devices, however only 3 of those hubs can have devices attached. Because 100Mbps Ethernet is faster the rules are more stringent. A maximum of two Class II hubs, and the distance between hubs is limited to less then 5 meters. Class I hubs cannot connect directly to another hub. For all intents and purposes 100Mbps Ethernet networks are limited to a single hub.
Where hubs need to be cascaded the solution is to use an Ethernet switch. Switches do not simply repeat incoming packets on all ports. A switch examines each incoming packet, reads the destination address and passes it directly to the proper port. A switch allows multiple conversations to occur simultaneously as opposed to being limited to only one with a hub. This allows total switch bandwidth to be greater then a hub. A 100Mbp/s hub shares 100Mbp/s among all devices. A switch segments traffic betweens pairs of ports. A non-blocking 16-port 100Mbp/s Ethernet switch has a maximum throughput capacity of 800Mbp/s. This assumes 8 pairs of connections evenly divided between the 16 ports; each one operating at full 100Mbps. A switch has another advantage it eliminates collisions allowing full duplex communication. This means individual computers can be transmitting at the same time they are receiving. This doubles throughput of our hypothetical 16-port 100Mbp/s switch to 1.6Gbp/s as compared to 100Mbp/s for a hub. In actual use the advantage will not be as great but switches offer tremendous performance advantage
The switch selects the proper port based on MAC address. Every Ethernet controller has a MAC address. The switch reads packets as they arrive and associates a port with a specific MAC address. When the switch does not know which port to use it broadcasts the incoming packet to all ports, much like a hub. When the device responds the switch knows which port it is connected to.
Ethernet Tip Use 10/100 autosensing hub or switch. This allows a mix of 10 and 100Mbp/s computers. Internally the hub combines all low-speed ports together and all high-speed ports. If a packet goes between different speed ports the hub does a store and forward. The packet is completely assembled at the incoming speed then sent out at the outgoing speed.
Managed vs Unmanaged Hubs and Switches
Ethernet hubs and switches come in both managed or unmanaged versions. Managed devices allow the administrator to control various parameters and observe traffic. These features are valuable in a corporate network but are overkill in a home network. Unmanaged devices are considerable less expensive.
Preferred Topology
For maximum flexibility a switch should be used in the wiring closet. This maximizes total network bandwidth. Using a central switch allows hubs to be used in each room if additional Ethernet drops are needed. Switches used to be very expensive, but recently switch prices have been dramatically reduced, making a switch the preferred choice.
What are the color code standard for making network cables?An explanation of the difference between 568A and 568B should be added so there is no confusion. 568A is the current standard and all NEW installations should follow this standard. 568B is the old standard and should be followed if any component segment on the network still uses 568B. The standards can be mixed without any problems, so if a 568B component is introduced into an existing 568A environment or vice-versa, there should be no problems. Thanks badmagicnumber for the explanation. What is this Category (Cat5 Cat6) wire stuff about? A: EIA/TIA 568 and ISO/IEC 11801 wiring grades: Grade 1 - Unshielded Untwisted wiring. Commonly called inside wire by the Telco community. (Informal designation) Grade 2 - Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) derived from IBM Type 3 spec. (Informal designation) Category 3 - Unshielded twisted pair with 100 ohm impedance and electrical characteristics supporting transmission at frequencies up to 16 MHz. May be used with 10Base-T, 100Base-T4, and 100Base-T2 Ethernet. (Obsolete) Category 4 - Unshielded twisted pair with 100 ohm impedance and electrical characteristics supporting transmission at frequencies up to 20 MHz. May be used with 10Base-T, 100Base-T4, and 100Base-T2 Ethernet. (Obsolete) Category 5 - Unshielded twisted pair with 100 ohm impedance and electrical characteristics supporting transmission at frequencies up to 100 MHz. May be used with 10Base-T, 100Base-T4, 100Base-T2, and 100Base-TX Ethernet. May support 1000Base-T, but cable should be tested. (Superceded by Cat5e) Category 5e - "Enhanced Cat 5" exceeds Cat 5 performance. Very similar to Cat 5, it has improved specifications for NEXT (Near End Cross Talk), PSELFEXT (Power Sum Equal Level Far End Cross Talk), and Attenuation. May be used for 10Base-T, 100Base-T4, 100Base-T2, 100BaseTX and 1000Base-T Ethernet. (Minimum acceptable wiring grade) Category 6 - In June 2002 TIA approved specification for Cat 6 doubling Cat 5 bandwidth to 250 MHz. Cat 6 is backward compatible with lower Category grades and supports the same Ethernet standards as Cat 5e. A Cat 6 whitepaper is available from TIA. Currently there are no Ethernet standards that take advantage of Cat 6. ANSI/TIA854 is working on 1000Base-TX. When complete this standard will use two pair in each direction as opposed to all four for 1000Base-T over Cat 5e. This is expected to reduce the cost of Gigabit Ethernet implementations. 1000Base-TX will only operate over Cat6. Category 7 - Proposed standard to support transmission at frequencies up to 600 MHz over 100 ohm twisted pair. NOTES: 1) EIA 568 limits UTP copper cabling to maximum distance of 100 meters (328 feet). 90 meters of cable plus 10 meters of patch cord split between both ends. 2) The FCC recently changed the requirement for telephone inside wiring to minimum of Cat 3 due to crosstalk problems with nontwisted quad-four. Cat 3 is no longer recognized by TIA. The minimum wiring grade for structured wiring is Cat 5e. 3) For installation to meet specific Category requirements all components must meet or exceed the designated Category. Using a Cat 3 receptacle (or patch cord) on Cat 6 reduces performance to Cat 3. What is the maximum length of an ethernet cable (AKA segment) ?COPPER (UTP & COAXIAL) LENGTHS: Gigabit Ethernet (over copper), 1000baseT Length: 100 Meters Cable: UTP (Cat5 and up ONLY) Fast Ethernet, 100BaseTX Length: 100 Meters Cable: UTP (Cat5 and up ONLY) Twisted Pair Ethernet, 10BaseT Length: 100 Meters Cable: UTP (Cat 3 and up) Thin Ethernet, 10Base2 Length: 185 Meters Cable: RG-58 type coax Thick Ethernet, 10Base5 Length: 500 Meters Cable: RG-58 type coax FIBRE OPTIC LENGTHS: 10BaseFL (Multimode fibre) Length: 2000m or 2km 100BaseFX Half-duplex (Multimode fibre) Length: 412m 100BaseFX Full-duplex (Multimode fibre) Length: 2000m or 2km 100BaseFX Full-Duplex ONLY (Singlemode fibre) Length: 2-40,000m or 2-40km *(see note) 1000Base-LX Length: 550m (62.5 or 50 multimode fibre) 3000m (10 singlemode fibre) 1000Base-SX Length: 250m (62.5 multimode fibre) 550m (50 multimode fibre) 1000Base-CXLength: 25m (requires new type of shielded cable) *NOTE: These lengths can vary by equipment vendor. Some products enable 100Mbps Full Duplex over 100km now (or 60Miles). 4.2 LAN - HomePNAWhat is HomePNA?The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA) is an association of industry-leading companies working together to ensure adoption of a single, unified phoneline networking standard and rapidly bring to market a range of interoperable home networking solutions. More information can be found HERE. 4.3 LAN - Wireless EthernetIs there a forum dedicated to wireless hardware?What is WEP and should I use it?WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, is used to secure your Wireless Network in a fashion similar to a regular Ethernet Network by Encrypting all data sent across the Wireless Network. If your Network or Access Point supports it, you should enable it to keep prying eyes off your data and network. Most Access Points support 48-bit (also referred to as 64-bit) encryption, while some support the more advanced 128-bit Encryption. NOTE: Be aware that using WEP on your Wireless Network can have a minor performance/throughput hit negatively, but is usually small and worth the added Security.For information on how to enable WEP (or to find out if your Access Point supports it), visit your Equipment Manufacturers Website or visit any of the following links: Webopedia. Wireless-computer-networkingWhat is the relationship between dBm and milliwattsA: The units of dBm and milliwatts are used quite a bit in communications and wireless. Both are units of RF power. There seems to be a lot of confusion between the two. Watts (or milliwatts) is a linear unit, while dBm is a logarithmic unit. Confusing the two can really make for interesting results. Recently, a WRT54G wireless router was described as outputting 84 dBm. Obviously, mW was the desired term, since 84 dBm equals 250 Kilowatts! One should really avoid being anywhere near a 250KW RF transmitter! Here is simple description of the two terms. 0 dBm in the RF world is arbitrarily defined as 1 mW of power (.001W). From this, we get: dBm = 10 * log(mW) (Note: power is in mW, not Watts!) mW = 10 ^ (dBm/10)
Both of these can easily be calculated using the Windows Calculator in Scientific mode. Or, for the lazy, try this site: » www.aerialix.com/calcula ··· ion.htmlHere is a simple cross reference, including some commonly found values for wireless, and all 1 dB increments from 20 to 30 dBm. Remember, for all practical purposes, every 3 dB is a doubling/halving of power, and every 10 dB is an order of magnitude difference. -10 dBm = 0.1 mW 0 dBm = 1.0 mW 10 dBm = 10 mW 17 dBm = 50 mW 19 dBm = 79 mW
20 dBm = 100 mW 21 dBm = 125 mW 22 dBm = 158 mW 23 dBm = 200 mW 24 dBm = 250 mW 25 dBm = 316 mW 26 dBm = 400 mW 27 dBm = 500 mW 28 dBm = 631 mW 29 dBm = 794 mw
30 dBm = 1 Watt 40 dBm = 10 Watts 50 dBm = 100 Watts 60 dBm = 1000 Watts ...etc. Some of the above numbers are approximated for clarity; 26 dBm actually equals 398.107 mW.Hint: to quickly find some other unlisted value, say 12 dBm, look up the wattage for 22 dBm and divide by 10 (pwr = 15.8mw). Likewise, for 32 dBm, one would multiply the wattage by 10 (pwr = 1.58W). Use the term " dBm" when referring to any absolute power level; never just "dB." e.g. "This router has 23 dBm of output power." The phase, "This outputs 25 dB" is technically meaningless, although most will interpret this to mean 25 dBm. The term " dB" is a relative term only; such as, "This router has 5 dB more output power than that Access Point." This is somewhat analogous to percent, where one does not say, This sweater cost me 70%, but you can say, I saved 70% on this sweater. Let's keep those terminators straight! 4.4 LAN - OthersWhat is HomePlug?HomePlug is a type of networking similar to HomePNA. It is used in houses that are not Wired with Ethernet and Wireless doesnt make sense. It uses the Power lines in you house. It is capable of 10m speeds. More information is available at the homeplug site. 5 DSLR Members LAN SetupA firewall with a single nic?Yes, it can be done. My broadband connection(RR) goes from my modem to the uplink port on my Intel 5-port 10baseT hub. The network is 2 computers, a 486dx2/66 with 32M ram(Debian Linux 2.2r3), and a dual PII 400 with 512M ram(W2kPRO, Debian potato/woody). The 486 is the firewall and only has 1 nic(SMC EtherEZ ISA), as does the PII(Linksys LNE100TX PCI). This only works if you turn on IP-aliasing on in the kernel(linux), tell NT your NIC has 2 IP's, or in win9x/ME, it's a registry "hack" (» ip-aliasing in non-NT windows.). The 486 has dhcpcd running to take the connection, and it's second IP (eth0:1) is the gateway for all other computers. I personally set all LAN IP's static because i only have a 5port, but DHCP running on the firewall in this config would work too. I've been informed that this config is somewhat insecure, as all broadcast packets go all over the ISP's 10. net, but it's not a concern for me. 6 LinksWhat are the recommended links?7 TroubleshootingFreezes?If you are getting stalls when using your PC Before your new ADSL line has been activated, your new internal ADSL card could be attempting to talk to the network (which is not yet configured for you), and while it does this, your PC may freeze. The solution is to remove the drivers for the card and/or the card itself, until the ADSL line is activated by the Telco, then re-install from scratch. Continue to read here to fix the problem. How can I verify my WinXP Prof Network Setup?How can I verify my WinXP Home Ed. Network Setup?How can I get my machines to show up in Network Neighborhood?8 -Step Program to Share Files in Windows Network Neighborhood
#1 File and Print Sharing Service Install the File and Print sharing service on each machine. Nothing need be shared but the service must be running for the machine to show up in the Neighborhood.
#2 Bindings File and print sharing must be bound to a communication protocol. My recommendation is to use TCP/IP for everything. If you want to use NetBEUI for sharing go to Network setting for each adapter and unbind TCP/IP. By default Windows binds each adapter to all protocols.
Security Tip - If your system includes an interface connected directly to the Internet such as a dialup, Cable, or DSL modem unbind file and print sharing service from that interface. Failure to do so results in sharing your system with millions of your best friends on the Internet.
#3 Workgroup name Network neighborhood is organized by workgroup. You can have as many workgroups as desired. In a small LAN it makes sense to use a single name, such as HomeLAN, because each workgroup requires its own Browse Master.
#4 Browse Master Ideally the Browse Master runs on an always computer. This is the reason to use the same workgroup name for all machines. Browse Master is selected in an election process during power up. If you have a PC that is always on go into File and Print sharing properties and change Browse Master from Automatic to Enabled. This forces that Browse Master to win the election.
If you don't have a machine that is always on it may take a few minutes for the neighborhood to appear after power up. The neighborhood will disappear for a while when the host running the Browse Master is shutdown until the lack of a Browse Master is noticed and a new election held.
#5 Login If network logon (in network properties) is set for Client for Microsoft Networks you must enter a password at boot time for the Neighborhood to be accessible. If you bypass the password most communication continue to function but you will not be able to browse the neighborhood. If you do no want to enter a password at boot time select Windows Logon. You may have to delete any existing passwords. Search for *.pwd files and delete them.
#6 Enabling Shares On a machine running the file and print sharing service pick the subdirectory to share and check sharing. That directory and all subdirectories will be shared. In a peer-to-peer network shares can be password protected to control access.
#7 User Account Some versions of Windows need user account in order to share files.
#8 Firewall If you are running a software firewall on the PC be sure it does not block NetBIOS ports used to discover local host names and share files.
netbios-ns-----137/tcp---Name Service netbios-ns-----137/udp---Name Service netbios-dgm---138/tcp---Datagram Service netbios-dgm---138/udp---Datagram Service netbios-ssn----139/tcp---Session Service netbios-ssn----139/udp---Session Service
As mentioned in step 2, these ports are used on the LAN but should not be accessible on the Internet.
Security Tip - In general it is a good idea not to share files unless necessary. Some of the most damaging Viruses search for file shares and destroy them.
Windows Configuration Tip There appears to be a compatibility problem between Win2000 and Win98/ME network neighborhood. We had trouble getting a Win 98 laptop to show up in a network of Win 2000 machines. The solution to was to create separate workgroup for Win 2000 and Win98 machines. The laptop was put in a workgroup by itself and the laptop Browse Master was enabled.
I was connected before, but I switched networks and I can't connect now. Help!If you are using DHCP to get an IP address for your computer, then your NIC card 'leases' that IP address for an amount of time, usually a few hours. If you move your computer (this happens most often with laptops, but can also happen with people who cart around their desktops) to a new network, then the IP address that it was assigned from the old network may not be recognized by the new network. In this case, it will appear that no connection can be made.
To fix this problem, users of Win2k and WinXP should start a command prompt window. Then they should type 'ipconfig /release'. An error message of some sort may (or may not) be displayed. Now, type 'ipconfig /renew'. This should have your connection working immediately, but if not, restart.
Users of Win9x/ME should go to the start menu, then 'run'. Type in 'winipcfg'. There are graphical buttons to release and renew the IP addresses of NIC cards. Try to make sure the correct NIC card is selected (if you have more than one installed).
How to Reset TCP/IP in Windows XPHow can I resolve Memory and Storage Space Errors?A problem may occur with your home networking while attempting to open/retrieve files from one of your other computers. Once you have everything setup, all your other computerˇ¦s drives added or mapped , then you go out and attempt to open/retrieve a file. In frustration you read an error that states that the system does not have enough storage space or enough memory. The result is that you will not be able to access the file folders on your other computer.... This is where IRPStackSize values come into play. An IRPStackSize value, controls the amount of physical storage space and RAM are available for applications. This value may be incorrect, with regard to your network. You will find IRPStackSize in Windows NT, 2000 and XP. The value ranges from 11-15 for NT and 2000 and from 11-20 for XP (these are conservative value ranges as the software vendor reports higher ranges, but warns, setting the values too high results in wasted system resources.) A value setting of less than 11 in NT and 2000, and less than 12 in XP may cause the infamous ˇ§not enough storage spaceˇ¨ or ˇ§not enough memoryˇ¨ errors when attempting to open/retrieve file folders on your other networked computers. The following instructions will allow you to safely change the IRPStackSize value. But please always use caution when you are changing values in your registry, as a wrong entry can cause serious problems with the functionality of your computer. If you are not confortable in making these changes, request the services of a computer professional to assist you. NOTE: Back up your registries first!!! - Start -> Run - Type in "regedit" (without the quotation marks) - Navigate to the following path by single left mouse clicking as you go: - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\ Services\lanmanserver\parameters - Double-left mouse click on IRPStackSize - In the event the IRPStackSize registry setting doesn't exist, create it by single left mouse clicking on "Edit" in the menu bar and then single left mouse click on "New" followed by a single left mouse click on "DWORD Value". The new value will then appear, name the value "IRPStackSize" (without quotation marks) and double left mouse click on the icon. - Set the decimal under Base to 11 for NT and 2000, and 15 for XP - (Note: I have set my Windows XP to 12 and it works fine. However, when setting the decimal under Base, you may want to increase it by three with-in the range (example: 11 to 14 and so on ,up to 15 for NT and 2000 - 12 to 15 up to 20 for XP) Try the defaults first and if you are still getting the error, try moving up the range until you no longer get the error. - Close the Registry Editor and Reboot the computer after each edit. This should take care of the error and allow you to access your other file folders on your networked computers. For additional reading, concerning this type of error, refer to hereThe information concerning XP values are found in this information under the "More Information" paragraph and follow the "Q" numbers related to the error. Also, hereAnd, hereScroll down to PROBLEM: Why do I receive memory or storage space errors after I install new software. How do I fix Windows 95/98/98SE Winsock2?***Warning! Please heed caution when making changes to your registry. If it's your first time editing the registry, please make a copy of your current registry before proceeding.*** 1. Go to your registry [Start->Run-> type in regedit] and find winsock2 at: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2 2. Rename the file to something like winsock2old. 3. Then goto: control panel -> add/remove programs -> Windows Setup 4. Unclick COMMUNICATIONS, then click apply 5. Click COMMUNICATIONS, then click apply, this should reinstall a working copy of winsock2. 6. Reboot, then you should be back up and running. If you want to learn more on Winsock, click here. How do I test my network connections in Windows 2000?How do I repair the TCP/IP stack in Microsoft Windows?The tcp/ip stack is called a stack because it contains 4 layers chained together. Sometimes the links between layers can become broken resulting in total loss of connection to the network. If you experience total connection loss and you get no reply when you type "ping 127.0.0.1" at the command prompt your stack has probably become corrupted. If you get a reply from the ping, but still can't connect to the network your problem is elsewhere. With Windows XP the tcp/ip stack can be reset by following the instructions here. If the problem occurs with Windows XP when trying to renew a dynamically assigned address and the error is "An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket" the repair is described here With other OS versions there are free utilities to help repair the stack. Most of them are covered in section 3.0 of this FAQ. If all else fails it is time to remove the drivers for the network card and reboot. Upon restarting Windows will start the "Found New Hardware" wizard. Reinstall the card with the latest drivers if possible. Then rebind TCP/IP to the card. How do I troubleshoot basic network connectivity Test for basic linkThe three most common causes of basic link problems are a bad cable, bad hardware or duplex mismatches. A basic link problem will show up as the link lights not lighting on one or both networking devices. A) Cabling, This is probably the most common reason for failure. The first thing to do when one or both of the link lights are out is to change the cable to a known working cable. Use a standard patch cable to connect a Hub/Switch/Router to a computer. Use a crossover cable to connect two networking devices or two computers together. Some ports are able to automatically configure themselves allowing a Patch cable to be used everywhere. Be careful of homemade cables. EIA/TIA 568 cabling use 4 twisted pair. Improper termination may work at low speed but fail at high. To learn how to correctly make an internet cable look here B) Duplex Mismatch There are instances where loss of link could be caused by a duplex mismatch , so it is best to have the network interface cards configured to autonegotiate for the testing. Consult the documentation on your NIC (Network Interface Card) on how to change its speed and duplex settings. Since most home switches are unmanaged there is no way to set their link speed and duplex. C) Failed equipment If you still do not see a link light on both devices it's time to start swapping with known working devices. 2) Basic Network connectivity.Basic network connectivity is limited in this section to seeing other computers on your lan by using the ping tool with a network address. The various methods of name resolution are beyond the scope of this FAQ. The most frequent causes for loss of basic network connectivity are incorrectly configured IP addresses, firewalls and a corrupted TCP/IP stack. For a basic introduction into TCP/IP addressing click this link. A) Correct Address schemeTo see the IP configuration on a computer with NT/2000/XP /98 open a command prompt and type in ipconfig /all. The GUI command in Windows 9X is winipcfg. If one of the two machines is a router see its documentation on how to find the LAN address. Verify that both machines are on the same subnet. If the addresses are statically assigned then correct one of the machines. Most home lans use automatically assigned (DHCP) addressing with the address coming from a router or an Internet connection sharing (ICS) server. When one of the devices is set up to hand out the IP address verify that the second device is configured to receive an ip address automatically. This link explains setting up the adapter for 2K/XP, follow these instructions for 98/NT. If you get an address in the 169.254.x.x range after configuring for basic link then the DHCP server is not working or the client is unable to see the DHCP server. Also ensure that the DHCP server's scope is large enough for the amount of PC's on the lan. If the address is 0.0.0.0 then the problems is most likely the TCP/IP stack. B) Firewalls blockingAssuming you have two devices 192.168.0.2 & 192.168.0.3 open a command prompt on .2 and type ping 192.168.0.3. From 192.168.0.3 open a command prompt and type ping 192.168.0.2. If you get replies back both times you're done, good job. If you received "Request timed out" errors then a firewall on the receiving machine (the one you're not on) is preventing it from replying. Consult the firewall documentation or help for instructions on setting up a "trusted zone". Windows XP has a built in firewall that is turned on as part of the Network Wizard this link explains how to enable and disable ICF. Having XP's ICF and another firewall on at the same time can cause problems, so pick one firewall and stick with it. If the "trusted zone" or lan is set up and the pings still time out the firewalls must be uninstalled until the network is working. Do not leave the internet connection up with no firewalls installed. Note: Ping uses Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). The Firewall may be configured to pass Ping while blocking ports used for TCP and UDP. If Ping works but other access does not suspect a misconfigured Firewall. C)Corrupt TCP/IP stack If all of the above steps are followed or you received a ping reply other than request timed out then the problem is in the TCP/IP stack. This link explains troubleshooting the stack. If the stack was corrupted because of malware, the malware must be completely removed before the stack can be repaired. I can ping my router, but cannot connect to the Internet. What can I do?If you suspect that you have a broken or unstable link between your local network and your ISP, the following steps are the best known method for obtaining a reliable link. Assumptions:You can successfully connect to the Internet without the router by connecting your computer directly to the modem (sometimes requiring a special "crossover" cable). If you have a wireless connection, this assumes that the problem is the same whether wired or wireless. Your router and computer are configured to automatically receive IP assignment information through DHCP (usually true by default). Your router is configured with an enabled DHCP server that gives IP addresses to the computers that connect with it (usually true by default).1. Unplug power to your broadband modem. Unplug power to your router. 2. Shut down your network computers. 3. Check that your devices are connected to the right ports of each device. Wall-to-modem, modem-to-router(WAN port), router(LAN port)-to-computer. 4. Wait for about 20-30 seconds for the modem's circuits to completely discharge before restoring power to the modem. 5. Wait for another 20-30 seconds. This wait allows time for the broadband modem to resynchronize with the network. When you see the lights become stable, and the DSL or Cable light indicates a proper connection, plug in the router. 6. Wait for another 20-30 seconds. This wait allows time for the router to negotiate port speeds and synchronize with the broadband modem. When you see the lights begin to flicker randomly (indicating network traffic), and a light indicating your WAN port is connected, turn on your network computers. 7. After your computers reboot, log in. Wait for 20-30 seconds after your personal settings have finished loaded. This wait allows your computers to automatically receive a renewed or updated IP address, Gateway, and DNS assignment through DHCP. Notes: If the trouble returns or persists: A. Your ISP may require that the router's ISP-facing MAC address be registered to your account. Some routers have a setting to use a different MAC address to the WAN port. You can use the MAC address of a device that was previously plugged into the modem (often called "Cloning the MAC"). Or you can call your ISP and give them the MAC address of your router. B. Consider the possibility that the cable or the ports between the router and broadband modem is defective. C. If you have a DSL modem, consider putting your DSL modem into Bridge mode -- or, on the modem, choose the option to deliver your IP address to the computer. Visit the support site for your modem's manufacturer or visit the appropriate Equipment Support or ISP forum. As this is a common procedure, searching the posts and FAQs is likely to find your answer. D. The provider of your modem, router, or ISP service may have additional settings or tips to help you. See the links above. E. The person who set up your modem may have added firewall rules or filters that are preventing the connection. F. If this is a brand new product, it may simply have a manufacturing defect that cannot be corrected by the consumer. To be sure, contact technical support for the manufacturer of the product, or if it was provided by your ISP, contact your ISP. 8 GlossaryWhat is a router?From whatis.com
A router is a device or, in some cases, software in a computer, that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination. The router is connected to at least two networks and decides which way to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the state of the networks it is connected to. A router is located at any gateway (where one network meets another), including each Internet point-of-presence. A router is often included as part of a network switch.
A router may create or maintain a table of the available routes and their conditions and use this information along with distance and cost algorithms to determine the best route for a given packet. Typically, a packet may travel through a number of network points with routers before arriving at its destination. Routing is a function associated with the Network layer (layer 3) in the standard model of network programming, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. A layer-3 switch is a switch that can perform routing functions
What is ping?From whatis.com
Ping is a basic Internet program that lets you verify that a particular IP address exists and can accept requests. The verb ping means the act of using the ping utility or command. Ping is used diagnostically to ensure that a host computer you are trying to reach is actually operating. If, for example, a user can't ping a host, then the user will be unable to use the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to send files to that host. Ping can also be used with a host that is operating to see how long it takes to get a response back. Using ping, you can learn the number form of the IP address from the symbolic domain name (see "Tip").
Loosely, ping means "to get the attention of" or "to check for the presence of" another party online. Ping operates by sending a packet to a designated address and waiting for a response. The computer acronym was contrived to match the submariners' term for the sound of a returned sonar pulse.
Ping can also refer to the process of sending a message to all the members of a mailing list requesting an ACK (acknowledgement code). This is done before sending e-mail in order to confirm that all of the addresses are reachable.
What is FTP?From whatis.com
File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a standard Internet protocol, is the simplest way to exchange files between computers on the Internet. Like the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which transfers displayable Web pages and related files, and the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which transfers e-mail, FTP is an application protocol that uses the Internet's TCP/IP protocols. FTP is commonly used to transfer Web page files from their creator to the computer that acts as their server for everyone on the Internet. It's also commonly used to download programs and other files to your computer from other servers.
As a user, you can use FTP with a simple command line interface (for example, from the Windows MS-DOS Prompt window) or with a commercial program that offers a graphical user interface. Your Web browser can also make FTP requests to download programs you select from a Web page. Using FTP, you can also update (delete, rename, move, and copy) files at a server. You need to logon to an FTP server. However, publicly available files are easily accessed using anonymous FTP.
Basic FTP support is usually provided as part of a suite of programs that come with TCP/IP. However, any FTP client program with a graphical user interface usually must be downloaded from the company that makes it.
What is HTTP?From whatis.com
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the set of rules for exchanging files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. Relative to the TCP/IP suite of protocols (which are the basis for information exchange on the Internet), HTTP is an application protocol.
Essential concepts that are part of HTTP include (as its name implies) the idea that files can contain references to other files whose selection will elicit additional transfer requests. Any Web server machine contains, in addition to the HTML and other files it can serve, an HTTP daemon, a program that is designed to wait for HTTP requests and handle them when they arrive. Your Web browser is an HTTP client, sending requests to server machines. When the browser user enters file requests by either "opening" a Web file (typing in a Uniform Resource Locator) or clicking on a hypertext link, the browser builds an HTTP request and sends it to the Internet Protocol address indicated by the URL. The HTTP daemon in the destination server machine receives the request and, after any necessary processing, the requested file is returned.
The latest version of HTTP is HTTP 1.1.
What is the difference between a Hub, Switch, and RouterHubs operate at ISO layer 1 - physical layer, Switches operates at ISO layer 2 - data link layer, and Routers operate at ISO layer 3 - network layer.
HUB When Ethernet was originally designed it used a single fat coax called a backbone. Individual hosts were physically connected to the backbone. This created a party line. Each host has to listen for the backbone to be idle before it started talking. It is possible more then one host will start talking at the same time, in that case the messages collide making them unintelligible. This condition is detected each transmitter stops talking and waits a variable interval before attempting to talk again. The Ethernet network is called a collision domain, since all devices must wait until the line is clear, and may inadvertently interfere with one another.
When Ethernet was modified to run over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category rated wiring the original coax backbone was shrunk within the hub, called a collapsed backbone. Functionally a hub operates exactly as the old coax backbone. The ports on the hub provide a point-to-point connection to the Ethernet interface in each computer. With a hub each node must wait for the network to be idle and detect collisions between multiple nodes.
SWITCH As Ethernet networks grew in speed and size the party line nature was recognized as a performance limitation. Switches eliminate the collision domain and work much like the telephone switching system.
When an Ethernet packet arrives at the switch the destination MAC address is examined and the packet is switched to the proper port. Each Ethernet interface has a Media Access Controller (MAC) 48-bit address assigned by the hardware vendor. The switch remembers which MAC addresses are connected to each port. If the Switch does not know which port to use it floods the packet to all ports. When it gets a response it updates its internal MAC address table.
This means Port A can talk to C at the same time F is taking to B. This greatly increases overall performance even though it does not change the speed of individual connections. Because the collision domain is eliminated connections are able to use full duplex, hosts can transmit and receive at the same time improving performance even more.
ROUTER A router is used to interconnect multiple networks. The Internet is literally Internetwork -- a network of networks. Internet routers work on IP addresses to determine how best to interconnect the sender to the destination. Because routers work at the IP layer different physical networks can be interconnected, Ethernet, Token Ring, Sonet, even RS232 serial used for dialup can carry IP packets.
Routers intended for home use include Network Address Translation (NAT). This allows a single address assigned by the ISP to be shared by multiple hosts connected to the local network.
What is the difference between Port Forwarding and Port Triggering?Port forwarding: New connections from the outside to a certain port or port range go to a designated LAN machine. The ports are determined by the kind of server you want to run, (e.g. 80 for a web server) and the IP is the private LAN IP of your web server.
Port triggering: new connections from the outside to a certain port go to whatever LAN machine made a certain outgoing connection (as defined by destination port). Example: You define port 25 as trigger and 113 as port. If any of your LAN machines creates a outgoing connection (=trigger) to port 25 (e.g. to send mail), all incoming connections to port 113 will temporarily go to that machine. After a timeout, new 113 connections will again be dropped.
No port forwarding defined: Only return traffic of connections established from the LAN side can make it to the LAN. They go to the machine that requested the packet according to the dynamic NAT table in the router. This mode is sufficient for typical internet use (browsing, e-mail, downloading, etc.). All new connection attempts from the outside are dropped, because they were not requested by anyone. (There are more complicated cases, e.g. with ftp, but a good router will be able to take care of the secondary connections by special algorithms (ftp-alg).
Thanks to SYNACK for supplying this information.
What is UPnP? |