Here you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Home & Small Office Networking. It is recommended that you read the Glossary Of Terms to familiarize yourself with some of the words and phrases used in this Q&A. If you have a question about a topic that's not covered in this section, send your inquiry to or through the Contact Info page.
What are the Operating System (OS) Requirements?
A.D. Roso installs Local Area Networks (LANs) for PCs with the following Microsoft OSes: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 2000 Pro and Windows XP.
If you plan to use Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), the Host PC needs to be running Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP. PCs on the LAN other than the Host PC can run any of the OSes listed in the paragraph above.
To determine which Windows 9x OS you have, click Start, choose Settings, then Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, double-click System and select the General tab. Refer to the following for your specific version ...
What special equipment will I need?
The specific networking gear needed to create a Local Area Network (LAN) depends on the type LAN being created (wired or wireless) and the type of Internet connection PCs on the LAN will use (if any). There are products on the market, though, that will allow you to mix and match LAN types depending on your needs.
A Wired LAN requires a Network Interface Card (NIC) for each PC and laptop that will operate on the LAN, and network wiring to connect the PCs to a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router (for a cable or DSL Internet connection) or a Network Hub/Switch (for a Dial-up ISP or no Internet connection). In either case, additional PCs can be connected by Uplinking to another Network Hub/Switch.
A Wireless LAN requires a Wireless NIC for each PC and laptop that will operate on the LAN, and either a Wireless Access Point (for a Dial-up ISP or no Internet connection) or a combination Wireless Access Point & Cable/DSL Router (for a cable or DSL Internet connection).
A.D. Roso can come to your home or office for a consultation visit to discuss networking options for a small fee.
The specific networking gear needed to create a Local Area Network (LAN) depends on the type LAN being created (wired or wireless) and the type of Internet connection PCs on the LAN will use (if any). There are products on the market, though, that will allow you to mix and match LAN types depending on your needs.
A Wired LAN requires a Network Interface Card (NIC) for each PC and laptop that will operate on the LAN, and network wiring to connect the PCs to a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router (for a cable or DSL Internet connection) or a Network Hub/Switch (for a Dial-up ISP or no Internet connection). In either case, additional PCs can be connected by Uplinking to another Network Hub/Switch.
A Wireless LAN requires a Wireless NIC for each PC and laptop that will operate on the LAN, and either a Wireless Access Point (for a Dial-up ISP or no Internet connection) or a combination Wireless Access Point & Cable/DSL Router (for a cable or DSL Internet connection).
A.D. Roso can come to your home or office for a consultation visit to discuss networking options for a small fee.
NOTE: A.D. Roso installs wiring on a limited basis only. Large and/or
complicated wiring installations will require a third party.
How many PCs can operate on a Local Area Network (LAN)?
Typical home and small office Local Area Networks (LANs) consist of 2-to-8 PCs. However, the number of PCs is limited only to the number of available connections on the Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, Network Hub/Switch, and/or Wireless Access Point. More connections can usually be made available by purchasing additional networking gear.
NOTE: If you have a Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) and you plan to have many simultaneous Internet users on a LAN, a higher speed Internet connection may be desired. Check with your current ISP or other ISPs to see what products and services are available in your area.
Typical home and small office Local Area Networks (LANs) consist of 2-to-8 PCs. However, the number of PCs is limited only to the number of available connections on the Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, Network Hub/Switch, and/or Wireless Access Point. More connections can usually be made available by purchasing additional networking gear.
NOTE: If you have a Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) and you plan to have many simultaneous Internet users on a LAN, a higher speed Internet connection may be desired. Check with your current ISP or other ISPs to see what products and services are available in your area.
Can I connect additional PCs to the LAN later?
If you have available connections on your Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, Network Hub/Switch, or Wireless Access Point, or you purchase additional networking gear to replace or Uplink from your current setup, you can connect additional PCs to the Local Area Network (LAN) at any time. Additional PCs will need to be configured for the LAN and, if applicable, Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
If you have available connections on your Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, Network Hub/Switch, or Wireless Access Point, or you purchase additional networking gear to replace or Uplink from your current setup, you can connect additional PCs to the Local Area Network (LAN) at any time. Additional PCs will need to be configured for the LAN and, if applicable, Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Can I connect laptop PCs to the LAN?
Most laptop PCs come with a built-in Network Interface Card (NIC) to connect to networking gear, and most newer laptops also come with wireless capabilities built-in. Otherwise, there are PC Card (PCMCIA) NICs and USB devices for laptop PCs to connect to Wired or Wireless LANs, some of which are combined with standard modems for Internet connection versatility.
Most laptop PCs come with a built-in Network Interface Card (NIC) to connect to networking gear, and most newer laptops also come with wireless capabilities built-in. Otherwise, there are PC Card (PCMCIA) NICs and USB devices for laptop PCs to connect to Wired or Wireless LANs, some of which are combined with standard modems for Internet connection versatility.
Is a LAN sharing an Internet connection secure?
When properly set up, a LAN with a shared Internet connection is reasonably secure. However, no one can guarantee complete security since computer hackers are continually trying new methods to break into computers on the Internet.
When properly set up, a LAN with a shared Internet connection is reasonably secure. However, no one can guarantee complete security since computer hackers are continually trying new methods to break into computers on the Internet.
What is Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)?
ICS is a Microsoft product that allows other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to use the Internet connection resources of a designated Host PC running Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP. It's sometimes refered to as a software router since it channels other PCs on a LAN to the Internet connection established by the Host PC. Though it's mostly used in Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) situations, it also works with cable and DSL connections. In almost all Dial-up ISP cases, the Host PC must establish an Internet connection before other PCs on the LAN can gain access to the Internet.
ICS is a Microsoft product that allows other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to use the Internet connection resources of a designated Host PC running Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP. It's sometimes refered to as a software router since it channels other PCs on a LAN to the Internet connection established by the Host PC. Though it's mostly used in Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) situations, it also works with cable and DSL connections. In almost all Dial-up ISP cases, the Host PC must establish an Internet connection before other PCs on the LAN can gain access to the Internet.
Can I configure ICS to work with more than one Internet connection?
Microsoft's ICS only allows one specific device (such as a standard modem) to be assigned on the Host PC when sharing an Internet connection. If other PCs on the Local Area Network (LAN) are also configured with ICS, the PCs could become "confused" as to how to access the Internet and the LAN may become unstable due to conflicts. However, any PC on the LAN can use a standard modem to establish its own Internet connection when desired, though without the sharing capabilities.
Microsoft's ICS only allows one specific device (such as a standard modem) to be assigned on the Host PC when sharing an Internet connection. If other PCs on the Local Area Network (LAN) are also configured with ICS, the PCs could become "confused" as to how to access the Internet and the LAN may become unstable due to conflicts. However, any PC on the LAN can use a standard modem to establish its own Internet connection when desired, though without the sharing capabilities.
Can I change ICS to work with a different Internet connection?
You can change which Internet connection ICS will use, but ICS will have to be reconfigured on the Host PC for the new device. It's best to do this only if you're permanently changing the ICS device, and not when there's merely a temporary disruption in service. Other PCs on the Local Area Network (LAN) will not need to be reconfigured if the Host PC changes its ICS device.
If you're upgrading from a Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) to cable or a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), you can still use ICS on the Host PC without modifying other PCs on the LAN, but it's best to reconfigure the LAN to use a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router (see the diagram under General Information in the How It Works section).
You can change which Internet connection ICS will use, but ICS will have to be reconfigured on the Host PC for the new device. It's best to do this only if you're permanently changing the ICS device, and not when there's merely a temporary disruption in service. Other PCs on the Local Area Network (LAN) will not need to be reconfigured if the Host PC changes its ICS device.
If you're upgrading from a Dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) to cable or a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), you can still use ICS on the Host PC without modifying other PCs on the LAN, but it's best to reconfigure the LAN to use a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router (see the diagram under General Information in the How It Works section).
Can I run Servers on the LAN?
You can run Servers or server software, such as FTP Servers, or Microsoft's Personal Web Server (PWS) or Internet Information Services (IIS), within the Local Area Network (LAN). For a Server to be accessible to users outside of your LAN (that is, over the Internet), a few things are required ...
You can run Servers or server software, such as FTP Servers, or Microsoft's Personal Web Server (PWS) or Internet Information Services (IIS), within the Local Area Network (LAN). For a Server to be accessible to users outside of your LAN (that is, over the Internet), a few things are required ...
How do I view and operate other computers on a network?
A U.K.-based company called RealVNC (http://www.realvnc.com) has a freely available package that allows PCs to view and operate other computers on a network.
In order for a remote computer to be viewed and operated, a VNC Server needs to be installed on the remote computer and you must enter a valid password to gain access with the VNC Viewer. That is to say, you can't just view and operate any computer you wish; the remote computer and its Firewall (if applicable) has to give you permission to access it. However, this is a handy tool to view or make quick changes on another computer, especially in office environments. Furthermore, VNC works over the Internet so you can view and operate a computer anywhere in the world.
A U.K.-based company called RealVNC (http://www.realvnc.com) has a freely available package that allows PCs to view and operate other computers on a network.
In order for a remote computer to be viewed and operated, a VNC Server needs to be installed on the remote computer and you must enter a valid password to gain access with the VNC Viewer. That is to say, you can't just view and operate any computer you wish; the remote computer and its Firewall (if applicable) has to give you permission to access it. However, this is a handy tool to view or make quick changes on another computer, especially in office environments. Furthermore, VNC works over the Internet so you can view and operate a computer anywhere in the world.
How will A.D. Roso configure my LAN?
Unless otherwise specified, the Local Area Network (LAN) will be configured with a Basic Network Configuration. That is, each PC will be assigned a full-access shared folder for all users to copy files to/from, all printers will be made available to all users, and PCs will be configured to access the Internet (when applicable). For those instances where Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) will be used, the Host PC will be set up as well.
Unless otherwise specified, the Local Area Network (LAN) will be configured with a Basic Network Configuration. That is, each PC will be assigned a full-access shared folder for all users to copy files to/from, all printers will be made available to all users, and PCs will be configured to access the Internet (when applicable). For those instances where Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) will be used, the Host PC will be set up as well.
How much does Home & Small Office Networking cost?
Since every home and small office Local Area Network (LAN) is unique, setting standard prices is not possible and work is performed at hourly or daily rates, plus parts and tax (see the Pricing Info) page for more information). The cost of the hardware and software is dependent on the type and amount of networking gear purchased.
A.D. Roso can come to your home or office for a consultation visit to discuss networking options for a small fee.
Since every home and small office Local Area Network (LAN) is unique, setting standard prices is not possible and work is performed at hourly or daily rates, plus parts and tax (see the Pricing Info) page for more information). The cost of the hardware and software is dependent on the type and amount of networking gear purchased.
A.D. Roso can come to your home or office for a consultation visit to discuss networking options for a small fee.
NOTE: A.D. Roso installs wiring on a limited basis only. Large and/or
complicated wiring installations will require a third party.
Glossary of terms
Cable (as it applies to Internet connections):
A high-speed Internet connection that requires a special modem and utilizes cable television wiring to connect the modem to the Internet.
Cable/DSL Router:
A device that channels PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, and is often combined with a Network Hub/Switch and Wireless Access Point to easily create a LAN and share a single Internet connection. Cable/DSL Routers also come with a built-in Firewall to protect your LAN from outside intruders.
Dial-up ISP:
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) that requires a standard modem to dial a phone number to establish an Internet connection.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL):
A high-speed Internet connection that requires a special modem to connect to the Internet. In some cases, DSL requires custom wiring to connect to the modem.
Firewall:
Hardware or software that prevents unauthorized access to a Local Area Network (LAN) or PC.
Global IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device over the Internet.
Host PC:
The PC that provides the Internet connection other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) will share when using Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS):
A Microsoft product that allows other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to utilize the Internet connection of a designated Host PC.
Internet Service Provider (ISP):
A company that provides an Internet connection service.
IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device on a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or over the Internet.
Local Area Network (LAN):
A group of independent computers connected together to share resources, usually within the same building and/or over a short distance.
Local Drive:
A hard disk drive, floppy drive, CD drive, etc. that's physically connected to a PC. Drives on a network can be set up to appear as local drives, if desired.
Local IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device on a Local Area Network (LAN).
Modem:
A device that enables a PC to communicate with other computers over a phone line, cable wiring or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).
Multi-port Cable/DSL Router:
A device that integrates a Network Hub/Switch and/or Wireless Access Point with a Router to simultaneously create a Local Area Network (LAN) and route Internet traffic to a Cable/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet connection.
Network Hub/Switch:
A device used to connect computers together so information flows through a common wiring point. The primary difference between a Hub and a Switch is that a Hub shares its resources with all the connections to it, whereas a Switch allocates resources for each connection.
Network Interface Card (NIC):
Hardware that enables a PC to be connected to a network device, such as a Network Hub/Switch, Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, or a Cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem.
Network Wiring:
Special wiring needed to connect PCs to a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router or Network Hub/Switch in a Wired Local Area Network (LAN) environment.
Operating System (OS):
The interface, such as Microsoft Windows, that manages a PC's hardware and software.
PC Card (PCMCIA) (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association):
A standardized technology, usually for laptop PCs, to add and remove devices such as hard drives, memory, modems, etc., without having to turn off the PC or open it up.
Personal Web Server (PWS):
A Microsoft product that allows some Windows-based PCs to process file requests like an Internet Web Server.
Router:
A device that routes Internet traffic to and from an Internet connection.
Server:
An operating system and/or software package that provides information, files, Web pages and other services to the user that logs on to it.
Uplink (as it applies to Network Hubs/Switches):
A method of connecting two or more Network Hubs/Switches to act as one.
Wired LAN:
A Local Area Network (LAN) which uses industry-standard networking technology and wiring to connect PCs.
Wireless Access Point:
A device, similar to a Network Hub/Switch, that uses transmitted signals to connect computers together so information on a Local Area Network (LAN) flows through a common point.
Wireless Access Point & Cable/DSL Router:
A device that integrates a Wireless Access Point with a Cable/DSL Router to simultaneously create a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and route Internet traffic to a Cable/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet connection.
Wireless LAN:
A Local Area Network (LAN) which uses special hardware and software to have PCs transmit signals to a Wireless Access Point (a device similar to a Network Hub/Switch).
Cable (as it applies to Internet connections):
A high-speed Internet connection that requires a special modem and utilizes cable television wiring to connect the modem to the Internet.
Cable/DSL Router:
A device that channels PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to a cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, and is often combined with a Network Hub/Switch and Wireless Access Point to easily create a LAN and share a single Internet connection. Cable/DSL Routers also come with a built-in Firewall to protect your LAN from outside intruders.
Dial-up ISP:
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) that requires a standard modem to dial a phone number to establish an Internet connection.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL):
A high-speed Internet connection that requires a special modem to connect to the Internet. In some cases, DSL requires custom wiring to connect to the modem.
Firewall:
Hardware or software that prevents unauthorized access to a Local Area Network (LAN) or PC.
Global IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device over the Internet.
Host PC:
The PC that provides the Internet connection other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) will share when using Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS):
A Microsoft product that allows other PCs on a Local Area Network (LAN) to utilize the Internet connection of a designated Host PC.
Internet Service Provider (ISP):
A company that provides an Internet connection service.
IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device on a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or over the Internet.
Local Area Network (LAN):
A group of independent computers connected together to share resources, usually within the same building and/or over a short distance.
Local Drive:
A hard disk drive, floppy drive, CD drive, etc. that's physically connected to a PC. Drives on a network can be set up to appear as local drives, if desired.
Local IP (Internet Protocol) Address:
A unique string of numbers that identifies a computer or network device on a Local Area Network (LAN).
Modem:
A device that enables a PC to communicate with other computers over a phone line, cable wiring or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).
Multi-port Cable/DSL Router:
A device that integrates a Network Hub/Switch and/or Wireless Access Point with a Router to simultaneously create a Local Area Network (LAN) and route Internet traffic to a Cable/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet connection.
Network Hub/Switch:
A device used to connect computers together so information flows through a common wiring point. The primary difference between a Hub and a Switch is that a Hub shares its resources with all the connections to it, whereas a Switch allocates resources for each connection.
Network Interface Card (NIC):
Hardware that enables a PC to be connected to a network device, such as a Network Hub/Switch, Multi-port Cable/DSL Router, or a Cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem.
Network Wiring:
Special wiring needed to connect PCs to a Multi-port Cable/DSL Router or Network Hub/Switch in a Wired Local Area Network (LAN) environment.
Operating System (OS):
The interface, such as Microsoft Windows, that manages a PC's hardware and software.
PC Card (PCMCIA) (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association):
A standardized technology, usually for laptop PCs, to add and remove devices such as hard drives, memory, modems, etc., without having to turn off the PC or open it up.
Personal Web Server (PWS):
A Microsoft product that allows some Windows-based PCs to process file requests like an Internet Web Server.
Router:
A device that routes Internet traffic to and from an Internet connection.
Server:
An operating system and/or software package that provides information, files, Web pages and other services to the user that logs on to it.
Uplink (as it applies to Network Hubs/Switches):
A method of connecting two or more Network Hubs/Switches to act as one.
Wired LAN:
A Local Area Network (LAN) which uses industry-standard networking technology and wiring to connect PCs.
Wireless Access Point:
A device, similar to a Network Hub/Switch, that uses transmitted signals to connect computers together so information on a Local Area Network (LAN) flows through a common point.
Wireless Access Point & Cable/DSL Router:
A device that integrates a Wireless Access Point with a Cable/DSL Router to simultaneously create a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and route Internet traffic to a Cable/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet connection.
Wireless LAN:
A Local Area Network (LAN) which uses special hardware and software to have PCs transmit signals to a Wireless Access Point (a device similar to a Network Hub/Switch).
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