Peer-to-Peer Networking

Requirements:

1.) Two or more computers running Windows95

2.) Two Network Interface Cards(NIC's) - preferably Plug-N-Play Compliant as they are easier to configure under Windows95

10Base-T - uses RJ-45 cabling. This topology must be run with a centralized network hub which connects the machines together. If you wish, you can connect two computers directly using 10Base-T if you use a special type of cabling called crossover cabling, which basically just untwists the twisted pair wire found inside of basic RJ-45 cabling.

10Base-2 - uses Thinnet coaxial cabling. This topology allows the daisy-chaining of multiple computers together in a single line, by-passing the moderately expensive hub used in 10Base-T networks. Thinnet utilizes what are called T-adapters which attach to the network cards. The cable must be plugged in one end of the T, and the other must be terminated. This is done by attaching a special terminator onto the other end. Terminators come in 50, 70, and 90 OHM.
Warning: Thinnet cabling cannot just be plugged into the card, either directly or via a right-angle adapter. You must use T's and terminators.

If you are only networking 2 computers together, you may want to start out using the 10Base-2 topology. It is usually less expensive considering you do not have to worry about a hub. You can however purchase what is called a combination card which contains both 10Base-T and 10Base-2 adapters, easily allowing you to switch to a different topology should it become necessary.

3.) Cabling - your choice of cabling will depend on which type of network topology you chose from requirement #2 above. In retrospect, 10Base-T will require RJ-45 wire and a hub(or crossover wire) and 10Base2 will require Thinnet cable.
In keeping with the topic of Windows95, I am not going to go too deeply into the hardware aspects of installing the NIC's and routing cabling. You do need to firmly seat the NIC into a free slot inside your computer. If the card is Plug-N-Play compliant, the next time you start Windows95, it should give you a message stating that new hardware has been found. If the card isn't brand-spanking new, Windows95 should contain a driver for it in its driver information database and install and configure the card for you. If not, you will be prompted for a vendor-provided disk containing drivers for the card. Once you are done installing the software side of the NIC, you will be prompted to restart. After restarting, you should now be getting a logon screen. You can just cancel this for now.

The Software Aspect

In configuring a network, there are four basic components which you need to take into consideration. They are as follows:

1.) Client - the component which determines which type of network you are running(i.e. Microsoft, Novell, Lantastic, etc.)

2.) Adapter - the component which communicates with the network card. This will be specific to the NIC installed on your system.

3.) Protocol - the component which "carries" information from one computer to another, the "communicator."

4.) Service - an "extra" component which allows special aspects(i.e. File and Printer Sharing)

Picking up where we left off above, we now have the hardware aspects of the network set up. The NIC's are installed, the cabling connected. We must now configure the software components of the "clients" or stations on the network.

Plug-N-Play NIC's - This is done under Start, Settings, Control Panel, Network icon. If your card is Plug-N-Play compliant, then you should already see the Client for Microsoft Networks, Client for Netware Networks, an adapter specific to your NIC, the IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol, and NetBEUI. If you do not see these components or your NIC adapter is not Plug-N-Play compliant, proceed to HERE. You may also see the Dial-Up adapter and the TCP-IP protocol in here if that is your means of connecting to the Internet. The first thing you will want to do is to remove any unnecessary components. Of course you can remove the Client for Netware Networks as we are setting up a Microsoft Network. In addition, if you have the Dial-Up Adapter installed, IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol and TCP/IP will be bound to both the NIC adapter and Dial-Up Adapter. You can remove the TCP/IP bound to the NIC adapter and the IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol bound to the Dial-Up Adapter. The essential components which must remain are the Client for Microsoft Networks, NIC adapter, and NetBEUI. You can retain the IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol which is bound to the NIC adapter and run this as a secondary protocol to NetBEUI. You are now ready to proceed to File and Printer Sharing.

Non-Plug-N-Play NIC's - If you do not see the correct components already installed, then you will need to add them manually. Click on the Add button. You will be prompted for which component you wish to add. Depending on which components you are lacking, this may be different for everyone. Highlight the necessary component from the list and choose Add. You must then choose a Manufacturer. For all components except for the NIC adapter, you will choose Microsoft as the Manufacturer. You should then see the missing item on the list. Highlight it and then choose OK. You will then most likely be prompted for the Windows95 CD. If your adapter is not listed, you will need to add the adapter manually and set the IRQ/Address manually. If after adding the non-PNP adapter you are not prompted for the resource settings, highlight the adapter on the list of components and click the Properties button and then the Resources tab. Here you should be able to manually change the configuration settings on the network card. If the card is hard-set by the use of jumpers, then you will need to set it to that setting. If not, then you will need to run the software configuration program which accompanied your network card and then select the proper IRQ underneath the Resources tab.

File and Printer Sharing - You should now have the Client, Adapter and Protocol configured for use of your network. The next logical step is to install File and Printer Sharing for your network. After all, that is why you are setting up a network right? So you can share files and printers between the stations on the network? At the Network Configuration screen, choose Add from the buttons below. From the list presented, choose Service and then highlight Microsoft as the Manufacturer. In the right-hand windows, select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and then click on OK. You should then have this Service added to the list of installed components. Now click on the File and Print Sharing button. Make sure both of the boxes are checked here and then click OK. Now is a good time to make sure that you have the Primary Network Login set to Client for Microsoft Network and not Windows Logon. Lastly, click on the Identification tab at the top of the screen. Here you need to set a Computer Name you wish the computer to appear as on the network. Also note that you need to set the Workgroup here also. It is important that you set both computers to the same Workgroup or they will never be able to see each other. The Computer Description can be set at whatever you wish. Now click OK and provided you had to add a component or two, it may prompt you for the CD from which to copy files. After copying files, you will be prompted to restart the computer.

After restarting, you should now come up to a screen asking you to "Enter Your Network Password for Microsoft Networking". Here you may enter a password or if you do not want one, just click OK. Keep in mind that this is not real security. Do not choose Cancel here or you will not actually be logging into the network. After choosing OK, you will be prompted to confirm your password. Re-enter your password if you entered one, if not just click OK again. Provided both computers are in the same Workgroup, you should now be able to see each other.


Now that your network is up and running, you must share files or printers on the stations in order to connect to them from the other computers. Follow the links below for the desired effects you wish to receive.

Sharing Files

Sharing Printers

 

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Author: Yimmy -- ©1997
Last Updated On: May 14, 1997