Local and Remote Network Connections Because all services and communicatio n methods are configured within the connection, yo u do not need to use external management tools to configure dial-up, VPN, or direct connections. For example, the settings for a dial-up connection include the features to be used before, during, and after connecting. These include the modem you use to dial, the type of password authentication and data encryption you use upon connecting, and the remote network protocols you use after you connect. Because settings are established per connection, you can create different connections that apply to different connection scenarios and their specific needs. For example, if you use a reserved TCP/IP address when you dial into your corporate office, you can configure a connection with a static TCP/IP address. You might also have a connection configured for an ISP. If your ISP allocates TCP/IP addresses using PPP, that connections TCP/IP s ettings are set to Obtain an IP address automatically . Connection status, which includes the duration and speed of a connection, is viewed from the connection itself; you do not need to use an external status tool . For more information about configuring c onnections, see Windows 2000 Help. All connections are configured by right-clicking the connection, and then clicking Properties .
Configure your network properties 1.
Select
Settings
from the Start menu to open the Control Panel, Panel, and then choose Network and Dial-Up Connections. Connections.
2.
Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties Properties..
3.
Under Components checked are used by this connection, Under Components connection, verify that the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)box (TCP/IP)box is checked.
If your network adapter is not listed under Connect under Connect using you using you must first install your network interface card; see Install your Network Adapter, above. If the adapter is listed, but Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not displayed, you must install t his protocol before proceeding. Click Install Install . In the resulting resulting dialog box, box, select Protocol select Protocol and and click Add Add . In the next dialog dialog box, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list and click OK click OK to to return to the Local Area Connection Properties window. window. 4.
Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button.
5.
Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
6.
Click OK to return to t he Local Area Connection Properties window.
7.
Click OK to exit the Local Ar ea Connection Properties window and save your changes.
8.
Click Yes when prompted to restart your PC. Click Yes
Clients,
Services, and Protocols
By default, the following clients, services, and protocols are installed by default with a local area connection:
Clients: Client for Microsoft Networks (allows you to access file and print shares of other Windows computers).
Services: File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks (allows you to share your own computer resources).
Protocols: TCP/IP, with automatic addressing enabled.
y
y
y
Any other clients, services, and protocols, including Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX), must be installed separately. To
configure 1.
TCP/IP
for a local area connection connection
In Network and Dial-up click Properties .
Connections
, shown in Figure 21.9, right-click the local area connection, and then
Figure
21.9
Network
and Dial-up
Connections onnections
2.
In
Local
Area
Connection
click Properties . 21.10 Local Area
Figure
3.
Do
Properties , shown in Figure 21.10, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) , and then
Connection
Properties Properties
one of the following:
If you want IP settings to be assigned automatically, click Obtain an IP address automatically , and then click OK .
If you want to specify an IP address or a DNS server address, do the following in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, shown in Figure 21.11:
y
y
y
y
Click
Use
the following IP address , and in the IP address field, type the IP address.
Click
Use
the following DNS server addresses , and in Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server , type
the IP addresses of the preferred and alternate
DNS
servers.
Figure
1.
21.11 Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Properties
To configure advanced TCP/IP options, such as multiple click Advanced .
DNS
server addresses, WINS addresses, and other options,
Whenever possible, use automated TCP/IP settings, such as automatic addressing, for the following reasons:
Automatic addressing is enabled by default.
If your location changes, you do not have to modify your IP settings.
Automated IP settings are used fo r all connections, and they el iminate the need to configure settings such as and so on.
y
y
y
DNS,
WINS,
Top Of Page Page Limiting
Protocols to Enhance
Network
Performance
Limiting the number of protocols on your computer enhances network performance and reduces network traffic. Windows 2000 attempts to establish connectivity by using every network protocol that is installed. By only installing and enabling the protocols that your system can use, Windows 2000 does not attempt to connect with additional protocols and creates connections more efficiently. Top Of Page Page Local
Area
Connection
Status
Like other connections, the appearance of t he local area connection icon changes according to the status of the connecti on. The icon appears in the Network and Dial-up Connections folder, or if the network cable is disconnected, an additional icon appears in the taskbar. By design, if a network adapter is not detected by your computer, a local area connection icon does not appear in the Network and Dial-up Connections folder. Table 21.4 describes the different local area connection icons. Table
21.4
Local
Area
Connection
icons icons
Icon
None To
Description
Location
The local area connection is active.
Network and
Dial-up
Connections folder
The cable is unplugged from your computer, or from the wall or hub.
Network and
Dial-up
Connections folder
The cable is unplugged from your computer, or from the wall or hub.
Taskbar
The driver is disabled.
Network and
Dial-up
Connections folder
The network adapter was not detected.
No icon appears in the Network and
view the status of a local area connection connection 1.
ight-click R ight-click
the local area connection, and then click Status .
2.
To automatically enable the Status monitor each time the connection is active, right-click the local area connection, click Properties , and then select the Show icon in taskbar when connected check box. By default, the Status monitor is disabled for local area connections, but enabled for all other types of connections.