Windows Vista Security: Praxisorientierte Sicherheit für Profis

Mapping Your Networking Infrastructure

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When you have added the first connection to the Ethernet router, you must then

connect the cables to the network cards on your computers and devices. When you

have completed this task, you should see a green LED light up on each network card

and possibly see the amber activity light. If you see both of these signs, you have suc-

cessfully completed the physical connectivity portion of the networking process. If

you do not see both of these lights, it does not mean you have failed, as there may be

no data transmission on the line while you are connecting the cables.

If you want to connect more computers or devices than the ports on

the Ethernet router allow, you’ll need a hub or switch. With a hub or

switch, you connect a network cable between the hub/switch and the

Ethernet router. Then, instead of connecting the cables for computers

or devices directly to the Ethernet router, you connect the cables to the

hub or switch.

To finalize the router setup, you need to configure the network services available on

your router. Using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), you can

assign IP addresses to the computers and devices connected to your router. With the

help of your user manual, log on to the router and select the screen to configure

DHCP. You need to assign a network IP range for use on your network. If you have

only a small group of users, use the 192.168.0.1 range for use on your network, or a

similar network ID. Most routers have the functionality turned on automatically.

You may also need to input the DNS addresses of your ISP or the MAC address of a

network card.

To complete connectivity to the network, you must configure the network cards on

your computers and devices. See the “Configuring the IPv4 and IPv6 Protocols” sec-

tion, later in this chapter, for details.

Mapping Your Networking Infrastructure

Windows Vista provides a whole new way to navigate and manage the networking

features of your computer. For mapping your networking infrastructure, Windows

Vista provides the Network and Sharing Center, Network Map, Network Connec-

tions, and People Near Me. You can access and work with these utilities as dis-

cussed in the sections that follow.

Using the Network and Sharing Center

The Network and Sharing Center is a central console for managing your networking

experience. You can access the Network and Sharing Center by following these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, click Network and Internet and then click Network and

Sharing Center.