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Windows Home Networking Demystified

     - Monday, March 20, 2006

So you're setting up your own home network for the first time, and you need some basic information about how to proceed? For example, you want to share files and print to a common printer. It can seem pretty daunting, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to write out some details in plain English that should point you in the right direction.

Preparation and Security

Since you'll be allowing other computers to access your machine, you'll want to make sure only machines on your network can do that, and that machines on the internet can not. Here's a checklist of what to do first:

1. Get a DSL/Cable NAT Router - this is a physical box that's connected to your DSL or Cable Modem. It will ensure that while you can get out to the internet, no one from out on the internet can directly access your computers. Routers will handle all of the internet connection stuff, and will also act as a Network Switch, so you can connect all your computer it. More info...


2. Download and install Hamachi - This program will setup a secure network connection between each of your machines. Later we'll be turning on software on your computer that will allow other machines to access files on your computer, but only through the Hamachi connection. All communications between the machines will be secure and encrypted. So even if somehow someone evil got past your DSL/Cable Router you'd still be safe. This step is super important if you're using a wireless network since the wireless part of the router is already inside your network. More info...
   


3. Temporarily disable firewalls and virus software - While you're getting your network setup, these things will just add to the confusion. Be sure you've followed the above steps first. Once everything's up and running you can turn the firewalls and virus software back on. More info...
   


4. Check the physical connections - Each computer will have a network cable that gets plugged into the router. There's a link light next to each plug (both on the computer and the router) that will be on when the wires are physically connected. More info...

Computer Name

Since you'll have multiple computers on your network, each machine will need a name. Right-click on My Computer and choose Properties and look at the Computer Name tab. Click on the Change button (skip the Network ID wizard -- I hate wizards) and pick a computer name and a workgroup name. Unless you have more than a couple machines on your network, ignore anything about "Domains", and use a "Workgroup" instead. Do this on all your computers, and use the same Workgroup name but pick a different computer name for each machine.

Network Connections

Go to the Control Panel and open the Network Connections option (in the "Network and Internet Connections" section). You'll need at least 2 "Lan or High-Speed Internet" connections - one for the internet and one for Hamachi. If you've installed Hamachi already, the Hamachi connection should already be there. If you have any Network Bridges, you can probably just delete them. Since you've got the Router to connect the different computers, the Bridge is unnecessary. Same goes for ICS or Internet Connection Sharing. Both Bridges and ICS are Microsoft's way of helping users to make networks without the need to purchase a physical router. But since we needed the router to be our firewall, tricks like bridging and ICS are redundant, so get rid of them.

If you don't have a connection item labeled "Internet" you'll need to create one. Click on "Create a New Connection" then choose "Connect to the Internet". Now select "Setup my connection manually" and "Connect using a broadband connection that is always on". Now you should have an Internet item.

Configuring Network Connections

Time to configure the properties of each of your two "Lan or High-Speed Internet" connections. Right-click on the Hamachi connection and choose Properties. If you haven't already, now is a good time to turn off the pesky Windows Firewall -- just go to the Advanced tab. Back on the General tab, your connection will need the following 3 items:

• Client for Microsoft Networks - This client program allows you to connect to OTHER computers. If it's not listed, you'll need to install it.


• File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks - With this service you can share your files and printers with other machines on your network.


• Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) - This is how your connection will communicate with other machines, sort of like a common language.

Check all 3 items for the Hamachi connection. Only check Internet Protocol for the Internet connection. Using this setup you'll only be sharing files over the Hamachi connection which will ensure the communication is encrypted and secure.

posted by Kevin Watts |  Permalink |