The Way Forward

HI all

Firstly let me say I am new to routers and networking although I have read a fair bit.

My system is as follows

ADSL Wireless Router/Gateway
X1 Wireless Desktop PC
X1 Wireless laptop

At present I connect both computers directly to the router and I have used WPA-PSK to secure my wireless connections.

I now want to set up a home network so that my computers talk to each other as well as the router/gateway, main purpose is for file and printer sharing.

Ok so with what I have said I officially don’t have a network yet even though both my computer will have their own internal IP address as officially the computers can’t talk to each other.

I have three questions.

Should I use the Win XP network set up wizard and set up my network?

If I do this will it be secure?
(I think it will as the PC's will be using the WPA-PSK connection to communicate)

3) Which network set up wizard should I use the normal Win XP network wizard or the wireless one? (I looked at the first few screens of the wireless one and it seems to want to set up a whole new gateway which based on what I have said before isn’t needed, I suspect I just need the basic network set up here)

Thanks all in advance

 

I wouldn't recommend it. You will have a better understanding of your network if it is done manually (and IMO, it is about as easy to do!)

There are only a few things you need to configure to have enable file/print sharing on your network, and it seems that you have most already figured out.

First, you'll need to configure each network adapter with an IP, a subnet mask, and a gateway address. To do so, please do the following:

1. Right-click 'My Network Places'
2. Select 'Properties'
3. Right-click the network adapter that is to be used
4. Select 'Properties'
5. Highlight 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)' with a click
6. Press the 'Properties' button
7. Select the radio button next to 'Use The Following IP Address'
8. Populate these fields with the correct IP addresses.
9. Apply your settings

This will configure your network cards to interface with the network. (Skip this if you're happy with your current settings) To confirm, run the PING command for the router's IP, and for that of the other workstations. If you receive replies, then we have established physical communication between the machine, and the other devices on the network.

The next step is to place all your machines into a workgroup (assuming you're not running a server with a domain). To do this, please do the following:

1. Hit windows key + break (or right-click 'My Computer' and select 'Properties')
2. Select the 'Computer Name' tab
3. Press the 'Change' button
4. Select the radio button next to 'Workgroup'
5. Enter a string that is the same on EVERY machine.
6. Apply your settings.

Now, depending on your version of Windows, you should be able to share printers and files on the network. Explore My Network Places to find the resources you are after. If it doesn't work right away, post back, and we can give you instructions on enabling and/or disabling simple file sharing.

This will not be any more secure than configuring the network manually. (With the exception that it enables the piss poor Windows Firewall, IIRC) For REAL security, I HIGHLY recommend you follow the instructions in the How To Protect Yourself From Malware thread. This will set you up with an excellent, redundant, and best of all, FREE defense against spyware and viruses.

If you choose to follow my advice, then this does not require an answer. (ie, DON'T USE THE WIZARD!) If not, then use the normal one for wired clients, and the wireless one for wireless clients. Both will perform the above steps for you automatically, but for different adapters!

Good luck!

 

HI

thanks for such a detailed response

sorry I havent come back straight away but I had another PC problem needing sorting before this one.

I will ceratinly follow your advice thing is I have a problem.

Prior to reading your post I did in fact run the Wired Set Up wizard, as I say I want to follow your advice but now I find myself with a network called MSHOME and I can seem to delete

Please would you be able to tell me how to delete it and I will then follow your procedure

Thanks again

 

Hey all,

Sorry but ignore my previous post as I have now set up correct workgroups and I now know that removing all PC's from a workgroup deletes the workgroup.

I followed your advice and set up my Network manually and it works perfectly - I can share files and printers and this is what I wanted.

On the security issue, I was confident I was fully protected from Spyware/malware and after reading the attached guide I am still happy with my current set up.

What I meant by "safe" was - is the actual wireless network secure from hackers?

As I say I have used WPA-PSK to secure my network so does the new workgroup I have just set up use the same WPA-PSK encryption to transfer data?


As I say I have used WPA-PSK to secure my network so does the new workgroup I have just set up use the same WPA-PSK encryption to transfer data ?

 

You've enabled WPA on your router, and therefore, all wireless clients will need to connect using WPA. Of course, they can't do this without the PSK (Pre-Shared Key).

 

Your internal wired network does not use or need WPA. The encryption is only used to traverse the wireless zone.

 

Cheers for the answers all - it is in fact a wireless network so I guess we can all agree that WPA-PSK is on and therefore I should be safe.

I got another question;this time about port forwarding but I will do another post as it isnt related

Cheers for all the responses I am grateful