Setting Up and Troubleshooting a Network
If you're trying to get networked, then this page may help you. Whether you are curious about setting up your own Windows 95 network or need help solving difficulty with your existing network, you have come to the right place. Need a brief explanation of what a network is? See the section: What is a Network?
This guide mainly focuses on peer to peer networks. If you are looking for information on other types of networks, we recommend logging onto the Internet and looking for documents related to "client server networks". You can also visit your local book store, as there is a good deal of information published about computers and networks, from beginning to advanced.
IMPORTANT: This document assumes that you are willing to take responsibility for your own upgrades.
If you do not already have a network set-up, we recommend consulting a specialist or contacting your system vendor before proceeding. At no time will Electronic Arts provide assistance for network installation, nor take responsibility if you mess it up. This document is intended to be strictly informative and make you aware of the possibilities of computing. If you are a novice user, and are uncomfortable poking around inside your computer, then do not proceed with the set-up section.
This guide is presented in two parts: network set-up and network troubleshooting. If you have an existing network, then you should skip to the section on network troubleshooting.
Part One: Network Set-up
1.Finding the right Ethernet Adapter
2.Deciding which type of cable to use
3.Which Bus type to choose
4.Terminating the first and last computer
5.Detecting the Adapter in Windows
6.Installing IPX drivers and configuring protocols
Part Two: Network Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT: These troubleshooting steps are written for people who are on "Home-type" IPX networks and are not intended for computers on administrated networks. Please check with your network administrator before attempting any changes described in the following documents.
1.Make sure the appropriate drivers are installed
2.Force a frame type
3.Check Network Neighbourhood for other computers
4.Specify a network address
5.Verify that the network is terminated on both ends
What is a Network?
Networking is a term you may have heard, but you may not know what it means. Put simply, a network is a series of two or more computers connected through a common interface for the purposes of sharing data and information. You may think that a network is just for really big businesses or computer companies, but that's not entirely true. With Windows 95, it is easy enough to network 2 or more computers.
Whether you need a small network for a business or simply have a few computers that you want to connect for gaming, you don't have to be a network technician to set one up anymore. If you have a basic to intermediate understanding of your computer's hardware and the Windows 95 operating system, you can probably set up a peer to peer network without any trouble.
A peer to peer network is where two or more computers connect together through a single cable and share data. This type of network, as opposed to a client-server type network, doesn't require that one computer be set up as a "server". Peer to peer networks are equal in hierarchy on the network, and are set up generally the same.
There are other types of networks, the Internet is a giant network of computers. If you are logged on to the Internet, then you are part of the Internet network. Anyone can also set up a server on the Internet. With the right machine, software, and connection, you can have people from all over the world logging on to your server and receiving the information that you have provided. This document focuses mostly on peer to peer networks.
Part One: Network Set-up
1.1 Finding the right Ethernet Adapter
An Ethernet adapter, usually referred to as a network card, is a peripheral device that plugs into
your PC and allows for the networking of two or more computers. This device plugs into your
computer's BUS just like a video card or sound card and allows the network to communicate with
your computer.
Finding a network card is as easy as getting an "Ethernet adapter" for your IBM compatible PC from your local computer store. Most computer stores will carry the cards and other items to set up a network.
There are different manufacturers of Ethernet adapters. Some adapters are very inexpensive and fairly reliable, such as generic "NE2000" compatible adapters. Others are more expensive but provide a higher degree of reliability. Sometimes "Sync" problems can occur with the generic cards, resulting in the occasional "dropped signal".
Deciding which adapter to choose depends on how serious you are about your network. If you are using your network for business and will rely on it heavily, you probably want to spend the extra money for reliability. If you intend to use your network for fun, the inexpensive solution should work fine and give you little trouble.
In addition, we recommend making sure your Ethernet adapter is a "Combo" type card. A combo card will allow you to connect to a network using thin coax, or 10base-T type cable. (Cabling is described in the next section.) Make sure you either get a combo card, or a card that accepts the type of cabling you intend to use.
1.2 Deciding which type of cable to use
There are a few different types of cable that you could use to connect your computers to a network; we will be dealing with 2 types in this guide: Thin Coax and 10base-T.
Thin Coax
Thin coax is a great way to connect PCs quickly and inexpensively. If you do not have a need to transmit huge amounts of data across the network, such as from a server, then coax is the way to go.
It is cheaper and easier than 10base-T. Here is how you would see the coax connected to the net card. Note that the connector type you need to use is a BNC type connector.
The terminating resistor, seen above, is absolutely necessary in order for computers to see each other on the network.
10base-T
This type of cable looks similar to a phone line. The advantage to 10base-T is that it can carry more data. It is also easier to add and remove computers on a large network. You may want to go with this type of cabling if you are setting up a big network, but for a games network, this is probably overkill.
NOTE: This type of cabling requires the use of a "hub". A hub is a device that allows networks using 10base-T to communicate on the network. Expect to pay lots for a networking hub.
1.3 Which BUS type to use
When you purchase a network card, chances are you'll have 2 BUS types to choose from: PCI BUS and ISA BUS. Most Pentium computers will have both types. If you have a 486 you will probably not have PCI slots, so you will want to purchase an ISA Ethernet card. If you have a Pentium system, most likely with a PCI and ISA BUS, you can choose which one will work best for you.
PCI Ethernet cards are typically more expensive, but can deliver higher data transfer rates across the network. This is not necessary for a gaming networks, so you could opt for an ISA or PCI depending on your needs: price vs. performance. Most peer to peer gaming networks will work fine with ISA BUS network cards.
1.4 Terminating the first and last computer
If you are using a thin coax type network, you will need to make sure the first and last computer are "Terminated" properly. This means purchasing a BNC style network terminating resistor and a BNC style "T" adapter. These inexpensive little items can be found in any computer store that carries networking supplies. If the coax is run directly into the network card, your network will not function properly.
Here is how the termination should be installed on the first and last computer:
1.5 Detecting the Adapter in Windows
As far as the network adapter goes, we recommend following the card manufacturer's recommendations and instructions on how to install your adapter in Windows 95. Every manufacturer has a procedure that will allow you to install the drivers in Windows 95 as easy as possible. The manufacturer will also provide instructions on how to properly seat the card into your computer's BUS.
How the driver installs will depend on the manufacturer and whether or not the card is Plug 'n Play compatible.
If you are unable to obtain instructions on driver installation:
Plug 'n Play card
After the adapter has been seated on the BUS, power up the computer and let Windows start. When Windows detects the device, it will ask you for a driver. Insert the manufacturer provided driver disk into your floppy drive and point Windows to the driver disk.
Non Plug 'n Play card
After you start Windows with the card properly seated in the BUS, open Control Panel (located in My Computer) and double-click on "Add new hardware". Windows will ask you if you want to search for new hardware, say "Yes" and proceed. You will be asked to provide the driver disk at the end of the installation.
If Windows is unable to detect your card, double-click on "Add new hardware" again and this time say "No" when Windows asks you if you want to search for new hardware. You will be presented with a list of devices to choose from; choose "Network Adapters" and click the "Next" button. Now click on the "Have Disk" button and make sure your driver disk is in the floppy drive. Windows should now
be able to install the driver for the card. You may however, if you do not have your network card documentation, have trouble configuring the resource settings of the card. It is very important that you obtain instructions for how to configure your network adapter.
1.6 Installing network drivers and protocols.
After the drivers for the network card have been set up, you need to make sure that the proper IPX drivers and protocols are configured.
To see your network properties:
1.Double-click on the My Computer icon.
2.Double-click on Control Panel.
3.Now double-click on the Network icon.
You should see at least the drivers shown above: Client for Microsoft networks, your network card driver (yours may not be NE2000), IPX protocol, NetBEUI, and File and printer sharing for Microsoft networks. This configuration will allow you to share files, printers, and play network games with your family and friends.
Also, make sure you click on the Identification tab to give your computer a name and specify a workgroup. Computers that are in the same workgroup will all show up in network neighbourhood, which is located on your desktop.
If you do not see all of the drivers and protocols listed above, use the "Add" button to install them. After the installation is complete, you will need to reboot your computer.
If you don't see any drivers or protocols at all, then your network adapter is not installed properly. Please read your netcard's documentation for installation instructions.
Part Two: Network Troubleshooting
2.1 Make sure the appropriate drivers are installed
To see your network properties:
1.Double-click on the My Computer icon.
2.Double-click on Control Panel.
3.Now double-click on the Network icon.
You should see at least the drivers shown above: Client for Microsoft networks, your network card driver (yours may not be NE2000), IPX protocol, NetBEUI, and File and printer sharing for Microsoft networks. This configuration will allow you to share files, printers, and play network games with your family and friends.
Also, make sure you click on the Identification tab to give your computer a name and specify a workgroup. Computers that are in the same workgroup will all show up in network neighbourhood, which is located on your desktop.
If you do not see all of the drivers and protocols listed above, use the "Add" button to install them. After the installation is complete, you will need to reboot your computer.
If you don't see any drivers or protocols at all, then your network adapter is not installed properly. Please read your netcard's documentation for installation instructions.
2.2 Force a frame type
Often a peer to peer network is set up and installed properly, but the computers still can't see each
other. This is sometimes due to computers using different frame types. A frame type is basically the
way the computers will communicate to each other. If two computers are using different frame types,
they will be unable to communicate with each other.
IMPORTANT: Do not make these changes if you are on an administrated network. If you did not set up your own network, you may cause damage if you proceed. Please check with your network administrator before changing your Frame Type.
To check your frame type:
1.Double-click on the My Computer icon.
2.Double-click on Control Panel.
3.Now double-click on the Network icon.
4.Highlight the "IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol" and click on the Properties button. Then click on the Advanced tab at the top of the window. You should see a screen similar to this:
There are several choices under the Property window: highlight "Frame Type" then look at the Value. We recommend using "Ethernet 802.3" on all computers. If the computers on the network have different frame types, you will not be able to connect.
2.3 Check Network Neighborhood for other computers
Network Neighborhood is a great way to find out if you can see other computers on the network. If you have installed the drivers and protocols recommended in the document Make sure the appropriate drivers are installed, then you should be able to see the other computers on the network through the Network Neighbourhood.
To check Network Neighborhood, double-click on the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop. You should now see a window displaying the computers currently in your workgroup. If you happen to be in a different workgroup than the other computers on your network, go into the Entire Network icon and open the appropriate workgroup. If you can see the other computers that you intend to connect with, then you are probably OK.
If you cannot see the other computers, try this: click on the ˙Start button, then select Find, then select Computer. In the "Named:" box, type the name of the computer you are trying to connect with. The computer should show up in the "Found" box within about 20-30 seconds. If you do not see the computer, then you will probably be unable to connect. Make sure you continue with the troubleshooting.
2.4 Specify a network address
Although unlikely, some connection problems are caused by computers having different network addresses specified. Make sure that the computers that you want to connect with have the same network address.
To specify a network address:
1.Double-click on the My Computer icon.
2.Double-click on Control Panel.
3.Now double-click on the Network icon.
4.Highlight the "IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol" and click on the Properties button. Then click on the Advanced tab at the top of the window. You should see a screen similar to this:
Make sure that the network address is the same for all computers trying to connect. If "0" does not work, try another value (like 12345 or any set of numbers). Just make sure the value is the same for all computers or you will not be able to connect. The default value for Network Address is "0" (zero).
2.5 Verify that the network is terminated on both ends
Termination is required on a coax type network on the first and last computer. Make sure that you have the proper termination installed:
Thin coax cable runs between network cards. At the ends of the chain, terminating resistors must be installed. These resistors can be purchased at most stores that carry computer supplies.
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