Network starter guide

Introduction

Benefits
About the network starter guide

Components of a Computer Network

Definitions and Conventions
Table of Network terms that will be used frequently in this manual
Table of Computer Component Definitions

About the ENxxx HUB you purchased

Your new HUB
Planning a Network with your new ENxxx Ethernet Hub
Location/Distance/Power

Adapter Card Installation

Cables

Cabling Requirements
What to look for when Buying Additional Cable

Installing Network Adapter Card Configuration and Driver software

Network Adapter Card Configuration
Installing Network Drivers
Selecting the proper network adapter drivers for Windows 3.11
Selecting the proper network adapter drivers for Windows 95

Testing to Insure that your Adapter Card, HUB and Cabling are Installed Properly

A simple test

Network Hardware Trouble Shooting

Problems at Setup
The top five reasons for problems when installing network hardware

Network Operating Systems

Using Windows 95
To set up Network Software for Windows 95
Planning your Information and Devices to be shared using Windows 95
Using resources available to you on a Windows 95 network
Network Operating System for Windows 3.11
Sharing and Accessing Network Devices in Windows for Workgroups

Introduction

Congratulations! You have entered into the world of computer networking. Computer networking is the collaboration of man and computers to speed the opportunity of information delivery. Networking computers has existed for over 30 years. As computers have increased in power and affordability for the average person, so has the ability to network computers.

Networking is about communications and the sharing of information. A computer network or Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computers connected to one another, or to a central computer (server) so that computers can share resources and information.

Benefits

What benefits can a computer network deliver to you?
A computer network allows computer users to share and use peripherals such as: printers plotters hard drives CD-ROM drives floppy drives tape backup drives scanners fax modems (either you can share a fax/modem or you can share fax/modem software)

A computer network allows computer users to share and use information such as: directories files applications games databases word processors

A computer network also allows you to run multi-user applications which allow multiple computers to access data simultaneously, using file and record locking to insure data integrity. Any LAN-formatted software package compatible with these standards will run on a computer network.

There is also a monetary and intrinsic savings resulting from common resource and information sharing. An example of this is all the members of a small business or home office sharing one laser printer connected to a computer.

A computer networked benefited one customer's business by allowing their multi-user accounting database to be accessed simultaneously by employees creating consistency of information among users. They also used one invoice printer to handle multiple print jobs requests from each computer on the network.

The need for connectivity and networks can intimidate users because of its perceived complexity. But, a computer network is easy to set up and once the network is running it should be transparent to the user. Once a network is implemented, users can not imagine how they ever lived without one.

About the network starter guide

This guide is designed to help you with the basics of a computer network and has chosen the easiest and most cost effective network solution. The following chapters are organized in the order that you should follow in constructing your computer network. Network Components Where to put your new Hub Adapter Card Installation Cable installation Installing Adapter Configuration and Network Driver Software Confirming your hardware is functioning properly Install the network operating system.

Components of a Computer Network

A computer network is made up of three components, all of which must work in harmony. As compared to the links in a chain, each component of the network needs to be properly installed.

There are three primary components of a computer network.

Hardware Hubs Adapter cards The communications channel cables connectors Network Operating Software Windows for Workgroups Windows 95

Definitions and Conventions

Table of Network terms that will be used frequently in this document

Table of Computer Component Definitions

About the Enxxx HUB you purchased

Your new HUB

The NetGear ENxxx Ethernet Hub is at the heart of your network. The Hub functions as the central point for your computers and network ready peripherals on your network. The ENxxx is considered a "plug and play" Ethernet Hub and requires no special setup except for a little planning, and plugging in the appropriate power cords and cables.

The ENxxx Hub is considered a stand-alone Hub with 4 to 16 ports, one of which can be used to connect to additional Hubs.

Planning a Network with your new ENxxx Ethernet Hub.

Things to consider when installing your Ethernet Hub:

Location/Distance/Power

Location is the most important part of the planning phase of a Hub installation. Your Hub should be located in a place that is central to your home/office space and allows all computers and networked devices connection to your Hub. Do not exceed 300 feet (100 meters) between the Hub and any of the networked computer and devices.

A common place for a network Hub location is on a desk top or mounted on a wall. For small businesses installing the Hub on a wall in your phone closet allows you to use the existing wiring infrastructure used for the phone system.

In the planning phases of Hub configuration, consider the fact that the ENxxx Hub is stackable, meaning it can be connected to other Hubs to increase the amount of computers in your network.

Remember to locate you Hub near electrical power. Refer to your Hub manual for proper power requirements and necessary adapters.

Adapter Card Installation

This is a brief overview of your adapter card installation. Most adapter cards come with software selectable settings which you will select after you have physically installed your adapter card.

Typical adapter card default setting:

To insert the adapter into the computer, follow these steps:

Turn the computer power off and unplug power cord and any other cables that are connected to the computer. Remove the computer cover from the chassis. Select an available slot and remove the backplate from the selected slot using a small screwdriver to remove the screw holding the backplate in place. Insert the adapter in the slot making sure it is completely seated and secure the screw you removed from the backplate. Replace computer chassis and reconnect power cord and other cables. Repeat this procedure for other PCs in the network.

Cables

After you have located your HUB in a permanent location and your adapter cards have been installed in each computer you need to connect your cables.

Cabling Requirements

Computer network cabling materials and technology have changed dramatically from thick cables and clumsy bulky connectors to wireless transmission which can be difficult to use and very expensive to implement.

Using a the ENxxx Hub from NetGear has eliminated the fear of connecting PCs by using an industry standard telephone type cabling platform, 10BaseT which is inexpensive and easy to install. A standard 10BaseT cable consists of a RJ45 connector terminated on both ends of 4 pair telephone wire and is usually found in most computer stores.

Connecting a RJ45 type connector is no different then plugging in a typical telephone cable. The connection is made when you push in the connector and a click is heard. If you pull on the cable you should not be able pull it back out

Align your RJ45 connector on one end of the twisted-pair cable with the notch on the adapter's RJ45 port and insert it into the adapter. Align the RJ45 connector on the other end of the twisted-pair cable that you just connected into the adapter with the notch on one of the Hub's RJ45 ports and insert it into the HUB. Repeat this procedure for the rest of the computers.

At this point it is OK to turn on your ENxxx HUB.

What to look for when Buying Additional Cable

The RJ45 type cable used for 10BaseT type networking is different than your standard telephone cable used for your phone. A typical telephone cable has four wires, 2 pair of wires, and is typically a flat cable with a four pin connector.

If you need to buy an additional cable for you computer network ask for "UTP" computer network cable" from your computer dealer and they will probably know what you are talking about. If not, say 22 gauge, 4 pair telephone wire with an RJ45 connector or category three or five telephone wire.

Many stores will custom make network cable so determine the lengths you need to minimize your costs.

Installing Network Adapter Card Configuration and Driver software

At this point in the installation process you should have: Your Hub located in a permanent location and turned on. The adapter cards installed in each PC Your cables connected between computers and the ENxxx HUB Computer turned on with the main operating system loaded. i.e. Windows 3.11, Windows 95, etc.

Along with the purchase of your adapter card usually comes software that configures your adapter card. This software will allow your adapter card the ability to communicate with your PC and the rest of the network.

Network Adapter Card Configuration

In general the adapter installation diskette's purpose is to: Provide you with setup utility software to configure your adapter Provide you with testing software to diagnose your hardware and trouble shoot Provide the necessary drivers to run many popular Network Operating Systems

Most adapter installation diskettes have an adapter diagnostic and system information program that allows you to test your adapter card for proper operation and choose the proper adapter card settings. Refer to the instructions provided in the adapter documentation for proper installation.

A typical installation procedure for an adapter card will include some decision that may need to be made regarding board settings. The most common questions will be interrupt setting and base address setting.

Common interrupt and base I/O port defaults

Activate your diagnostic software. It will probably determine what interrupt settings and base address settings are available for your adapter card to use. You may want to write them down. In today's market if the card does not have software configurable settings take it back and get one that does. Activate the system setting portion of your software and change the settings to the interrupt and base address that you wrote down. If you are given many choices the default settings are best, otherwise settings that are higher on the number scale allowing room between other settings on your computer are best.

Many adapter cards that are available today automatically configure themselves so be sure to follow the instructions provided with your adapter.

Installing Network Drivers

The two most popular network drivers available on the market today are ODI and NDIS. .Each of these network driver standards supports a variety of network operating systems and are usually supplied by the manufacturer. ODI (Open Data-Link Interface) Novell Netware NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specifications) Microsoft Windows 95, Workgroups, LAN Managers, IBM LAN Server, LANtastic

Selecting the proper network adapter drivers for Windows 3.11

After you have configured your network adapter card the next step is to install driver for your network adapter card.

To load the proper driver for Windows for Workgroups (Windows 3.11)proceed to reboot your computer and load Windows 3.11

To install a network adapter driver:

In the Network group, choose the Network Setup icon In the Network Setup dialog box, choose Drivers In the Network Drivers dialog box, choose Add Adapter. In the list of network adapters, select your adapter and choose OK. You may be asked to provide a disk in drive A with the proper driver. If it is not on the list choose the generic setting. Follow the prompts to configure your adapter if required. Choose OK and Close Restart your computer to have the changes take affect.

Selecting the proper network adapter drivers for Windows 95

Before setting up the software make sure your network adapter is correctly installed. To load the proper driver for Windows 95 follow these steps:

Click the Start button. Point to Setting and then click on Control Panel. Double click the Network icon. Choose the Configuration folder and click on Add. Click Adapters and then click Add. Follow the instructions on your screen. If you do not know what kind of adapter you have , check the documentation that came with it. If it is not on the list choose the generic setting.

Testing to Insure that your Adapter Card, HUB and Cabling are Installed Properly

A simple test

At this point in your network installation a minimum configuration as follows: The ENxxx Hub has been installed Your network adapter cards have been physically installed in your computer The cabling has been installed between the Hub and your computers.

To insure that your adapter card has been installed properly the following procedure can confirm that the adapter cards are talking to one another. Often, installing you network cables between your Hub and computers can give you an indication that the adapter cards cabling and Hub have been installed properly.

Insure that your Hub is turned on. Plug in your cable between the Hub and your computer. Turn on your computer. Look at the LED light on the ENxxx Hub. The diagnostic "Link" LED's should be on for each port connected from a computer to the Hub port.

Network Hardware Trouble Shooting

Problems at Setup

Lets say your LED lights are not on when Hub, computer and cable are powered on and connected. There is no easy way to diagnose a failure other then take a step by step approach.

There are three parts to a Local Area Network (LAN).

Hardware such as adapter cards and Hubs Connection between computer (Cables) Network Operating Software (Computer networks)

The top five reasons for problems when installing network hardware

Adapter card configuration is incorrect. This is by far the most common problem when installing a network and the problem is usually not apparent until you connect cables and often not until you are trying to use another computers shared network resources. Generally interrupt (IRQ) problems are to blame and conflicts are usually with other devices connected or installed on your computer. Devices such as sound cards, scanners, other network adapters, CDROMs and other devices that use an interrupt are problematic. The diagnostic software provided with your adapter can assist you in selecting an interrupt that will not conflict with other devices on your computer. Cable problems are common, especially if the cables are home made and not from the factory. An easy way to test a suspected bad cable is to exchange it with a good known cable. Identify a good cable where the LED lights are functioning on the HUB which indicates a good connection. If the problem goes away then the previous cable removed is bad. Adapter card does not respond. If you turn on your computer and run the diagnostics software that came with your adapter card and the software cannot find the adapter or the internal loop tests fails, the card is probably bad and you need to call your adapter card manufacturer for a replacement. Improper driver configuration is most common once you have determined successful adapter configuration and cables. Make sure that you have properly selected and installed the correct driver and necessary software for the network operating system you are running. Refer to the adapter card installation section. The Hub is rarely a problem but one of the most common problems concerning a Hub is that power was not turned on or that the HUB power adapter is not working. If the main LED light is powered on then you can probably expect a working Hub. Sometimes an individual adapter card in the PC will cause a hub port to malfunction. Use the cable test mentioned earlier to test the cable. Use the adapter diagnostic software to check the adapter card.

Network Operating Systems

Installing or activating your Network Operating System is the last step after you have installed your adapter cards, cables, and Hub. Installing the Network Operating Software allows you identify information and devices so that you can share and use them.

Using Windows 95

If you are using Windows 95 as your network operating system, there are two major step s in completing your network successfully. One is the network hardware which includes Hub's, cables and adapter cards. The other is the network operating software. The procedure below will help you start up your network. At this point you probable have many computers attached to your ENxxx HUB. Make sure the network hardware and cabling is in place and properly installed.

To set up Network Software for Windows 95

Click the Start Button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click Network Click the Add button Click Adapter and then Click Add Follow the instruction on the screen. If you have no idea what kind of adapter you have, check the documentation that came with your adapters

When you set up a network adapter, Windows automatically sets up the other network components you need to use for the network.

Next you need to identify your computer on the network. To identify your computer on the network:

In the Network dialog box, click the Identification tab. Type a name for your computer, your workgroup name, and a brief description of your system that other people will see when they look at your computer on the network.

Planning your Information and Devices to be shared using Windows 95

In windows 95 the information you may want to share for others to use is called a folder which could contain files, applications or a drive such as a CD-ROM or hard drive. Devices that you could share for others to use could be, for example, a printer.

In the planning phase of sharing your information and devices using Windows 95 there are two ways that it allows users to access folders and printers over the network:

Share a folder, CD-ROM or hard drive

Locate the folder, CD-ROM or hard drive you want to share and then click it. On the file menu, click sharing. If the menu does not include sharing then you will need to install the file and sharing portion of windows 95. If you want to share an entire CD-ROM or disk drive instead of clicking on the folder click on the drive icon for the drive you want to share. Click on the options you want and save.

Share a printer

Click the start button, point to the settings, and then click printers. In the Printers window, click on the printer you want to share On the file menu click sharing. Click on the options you need and save.

Using resources available to you on a Windows 95 network

The true benefits of networking are the ability to use other computers information and devices. Using a CD-ROM, hard drive or folder on another computer is like using your own folders and drives.

Use a shared folder, CD-ROM and hard drive

Double click Network Neighborhood Double click the computer that contains the folder you want or the drive you want. By clicking on the computer you get a list of what is specifically available to you. Double-click the folder that contains the document or program you want.

Use a printer on the network To set up a printer for use over the network the procedure is similar to setting up a printer connected to you own computer.

Click the start button, point to settings and click on Printers. Double click Add Printer. Follow the instructions on the screen. When you finish, the icon for your printer appears in the print folder. When you have finished, the icon for your printer will appear in the Printers Folder. The printers will say local printer or network printer as determined by you..

Network Operating System for Windows 3.11

If you are using Windows for Workgroups as your Network Operating System on all your PCs, you should have successfully completed your network hardware installation before starting this procedure. The procedure below will help you start up and configure your network.

Loading the proper drivers

In an earlier chapter "Installing Network Adapter Card Configuration and Driver Software" you used Windows for Workgroups (WFW) to load the proper Adapter Drivers. At this point, if you have not already done so, reboot your computer and load Windows 3.11. This will allow WFW to recognize that there is a network adapter in your machine.

If you loaded your NDIS driver by using DOS as described by most adapter installation diskettes then you may need to confirm that you have the Microsoft Windows Network already installed. This can be confirmed when you start Windows for Workgroups, you should have a login dialog box that appears asking you for proper login name etc. If you do not see this login box then you may need to reinstall Windows for Workgroup. Refer to your Windows for Workgroups documentation for proper installation.

Note: If you used DOS to install you Network Driver for Windows for Workgroups you should make note of the IRQ and Base I/O addresses you selected. Windows for Workgroups may ask you for those parameters upon installation.

To logon to Windows for Workgroups:

In the logon dialog box, type a login name or use the default login name that WFW provides you. Type a password if you need one. Choose OK

Sharing and Accessing Network Devices in Windows for Workgroups

There are few avenues available to you regarding sharing and accessing shared device in WFW. These instruction will help get you started. Refer to your WFW manual for details explaining your options. These instructions will get you started sharing and accessing shared devices in WFW.

To set up WFW to share files, drives and printers

In the network group, click on Network Setup icon In the Network Setup dialog box, choose Sharing To make sharing available, select one or both boxes, click on OK when done In the Network Setup dialog box, click on OK. Click on OK again after you SYSTEM.INI file has been modified. Click on Restart Windows to restart.

Use File Manager to share directories and drives for others to access

In File Manager, select the directory you want to share Choose DISK from the menu and select Share As In the Share Name box, type the name you want to assign to this directory To control access to files select the appropriate option In the password box type the appropriate password. (Not mandatory) Click on OK

Use File Manager to connect and access a shared directory or drive

Choose Disk from the menu and select Connect Network Drive Select a letter from the Drive box that you want Choose Browse to see the Show Shared Directories On box In the Show Shared Directories On box you can choose a workgroup Select a computer below the workgroup name In the Share Directories box, select a shared directory you want Choose OK to connect to the selected directory

Use Print Manager to share your printer for others to access

Click on print manager from your Main Menu In the Print Manager window, select the printer you want to share Choose Share Printer As from the Printer menu In the Share Printer dialog box, type a share name or password Click on OK

Use Print Manager to access a network printer

You must first make sure you have set up the printer driver for the printer on the network that you want to connect to. Refer to setting up a printer in your Windows or WFW manual. Within Print Manager choose Connect Network Printer from the Printer Menu. Notice the port (i.e. LPT1) in the Device Name box. It should be associated with the appropriate printer driver (i.e. HP laserjet IID) otherwise select the port name you want for that printer driver Click on Browse to show the Show Share Printers On box Choose a workgroup Select a computer listed Select a network printer from the Shared Printers box Click on OK

All references to share and access computer information and peripherals can be a temporary set up or a permanent connection setup every time you boot up your computer. To find out more about this, refer to your Windows or WFW manual.