Windows 9X Networking

Network Adapters, Protocols, and Services

Windows 95 can accommodate multiple protocols on a single computer.

The protocol is responsible for both the quality of service and the accuracy of information. It provides a network message standard used to translate messages into information that the system recognizes.

By default, Windows 95 installs Microsoft NetBEUI and IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol.

NetBEUI

NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) is a very fast protocol often used in small networks. Because it is not routable, NetBEUI is often not appropriate for larger networks. NetBEUI is the standard interface provided in Microsoft Windows for Workgroups and Microsoft Workgroup Add-On for MS-DOS. NetBEUI's ease of administration and speed make it a good choice for small local area networks.

IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol for Windows

The IPX/SPX protocol used as the primary protocol in the NetWare environment consists of two separate components. IPX is a protocol that provides datagram communication services. SPX is a protocol that provides connection-oriented communication services.

IPX is a routable protocol. For this reason, users in medium-sized organizations may prefer IPX over NetBEUI.

TCP/IP

The TCP/IP protocol suite is a standard set of connection-based and connectionless protocols and tools most often associated with UNIX and the Internet. It is fully routable and is often use as a basis for wide area networks.

The Windows 95 TCP/IP stack comes with most of the standard tools, such as FTP, TELNET, Ping,ARP, ROUTE, NETSTAT, and a Windows version of IPCONFIG. In addition, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is supported, so Windows 95 clients running TCP/IP are automatically assigned an IP address based on a predefined range of addresses and leases when they log on to the network. This IP address database is complemented by support for the Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) which matches the IP address with NetBIOS name. The Windows 95 TCP/IP stack uses names provided by Domain Name System (DNS) as well.

This protocol supports the SNMP Internet MIB-II standard for remote network administration.

Additional third-party protocols may be added to Windows 95.

Services

In addition to being a client, you can provide Microsoft Network Services.

To add file and print sharing for Microsoft Networks

1. In Control Panel, click the Network icon.
2. The Network sheet displays.
   

3. Click the Add button.
4. The Select Network Component Type dialog box displays.
   

5. Select Service and click the Add button.
6. The Select Network Service dialog box displays.
   

7. On the Manufacturers side, select Microsoft. From the list of Network Services that appear, select File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks.
8. Click OK.
9. This component is added to your network configuration. When you click OK on the Network property sheet, the system updates. You may be prompted to provide the location of the required files.
10. After the appropriate files are copied, you must restart the workstation for the changes to take place. However, you can continue to use the workstation to perform other tasks before restarting.

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