Assembling/Configuring a Peer-to-Peer LAN

• Definition:– A peer-to-peer network

is one which does not employ network servers.

– Network resources are made available in the network if declared as “shared” by the users or hosts.

– Has very limited network management capabilities.

– Not recommended for networking applications requiring stringent security.

Hub/Switch

Step 1: Install/Check for Host NIC

• Install Network Interface Cards in all host computers

• Make sure the NIC “device drivers” are properly installed– To check, open:

control panel>network connections>local area connection>properties

• The dialogue box appears with the name of the NIC registered as indicated.

Step 2: Connecting the Cables

• Use straight-though to connect PC to Hub/Switch.• Use cross-over cable to connect Hub to Hub, Switch to Switch, or Switch to Hub.

PC

Switch/Hub

Use ST cable

HubSwitch

Use CO cable

Switch/Hub

Use CO cable

Switch/Hub

PC PCUse CO cable

Step 3: Configure IP Addresses of Host PCs

• In Peer-to-Peer networks, host PCs must be assigned “static” IP address so they can be identified in the network.

• To assign IP address:– control panel>network

connections>local area connection>properties

• The dialogue box appears as shown in the figure.– Select Internet Protocol– Click properties

Step 4: Configure IP Addresses of Host PCs )

• A dialogue box appears as shown.– Click Use the following

IP address– Type the IP address as

shown.– Click the Subnet mask

field to register automatic value.

– Click OK then Close all dialogue boxes.

Step 5: Test LAN Connectivity

• Host to host connectivity can be tested using the TCP/IP “Ping” command.– When a host pings another host, it sends a packet to that host.– Upon successful receipt of the packet, the other host replies by

sending back a packet.

PC 1 PC 2

PC1 “Ping” to PC2

PC2 “Reply” to PC1

Step 6: Host Naming and Workgroup Creation

• Host can be assigned Names for identification purposes in the network.

• A host can also be configured to be assigned to a specific Workgroup.

• Follow these steps: – control panel>system

• The System Properties dialogue box appears as shown.– Select Computer Name tab– Click the Change button

Step 7: Host Naming and Workgroup Creation

• The Computer Name Changes dialogue box appears as shown.– Type PC1 on the

Computer Name field– Select Workgroup– Type WORKGROUP 1

on the Workgroup field.

– Click OK

Step 8: Configure Microsoft Network and Internet Sharing

• To setup MS Network for a computer with Internet Account:– Open control

panel>network connections>network setup wizard

• Click “next” until the dialogue box appears as shown.– Select option as shown– Click next until done.

Microsoft Network is a network service application which provides host connectivity to other host running MS Windows XP.

Step 9: Configure Microsoft Network and Internet Sharing

• To setup MS Network for a computer that shares and Internet account with another:– Open control

panel>network connections>network setup wizard

• Click “next” until the dialogue box appears as shown.– Select option as shown– Click next until done.

Step 10: Sharing Resources

• To share computer resources such as a drive to other hosts:– Open Windows

Explorer– Right click a drive– Click Sharing and

Security.

Step 11: Sharing Resources

– The dialogue box appears as shown.

– Click the “If you understand…” link.

– The dialogue box appears as shown (far right).

– Select “share this…”.

– Type the Share name

– Place a check on “Allow network…” if you want others to read/write on your disk.

– Click Apply then OK.