{"id":115,"date":"2006-07-12T13:57:50","date_gmt":"2006-07-12T13:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.digitalmediaphile.com\/2006\/07\/12\/Vista+Home+Networking.aspx"},"modified":"2011-06-09T07:15:05","modified_gmt":"2011-06-09T14:15:05","slug":"vista-home-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/2006\/07\/12\/vista-home-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Vista Home Networking"},"content":{"rendered":"
(Republished from Vista Community <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n
Column\/July 2006 by Reader Request)<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n
\n
Since the launch of Microsoft Windows XP, I’ve spent a lot of time helping friends and family set up wireless routers. Over the past few years, I’ve also helped a number of people configure wireless networked devices connected to home theater systems that stream music from a host PC and I\u2019ve helped them add IP based Internet camera to their home networks. When Windows XP first launched, it was not an easy task to setup a home network and perform these tasks. A network setup wizard was provided, but it was basic and didn’t handle enough of the work to make home network setup a painless experience. <\/span><\/div>\n
And not too long ago, the only way to setup a secure wireless network using a wireless router was to log in to a web based administrative page on a router and then navigate an often confusing web interface. Many people didn’t even bother to setup wireless security because it was too difficult. Eventually, a number of manufacturers included proprietary, non standardized setup programs and wizards. Two developments over the past several years since the launch of Windows XP have provided some relief. <\/span>UPnP<\/span><\/a>, which I first wrote about in May 2002, was the first major step in enabling an easier network setup because it provided the basic ability to discover a new device on the network and access its web based administrative page (Presentation URL). The second was <\/span>Windows Connect Now<\/span><\/a> (WCN), which I first wrote about in June 2005 which provided better end user tools to setup computers and devices. This technology enabled Windows XP users to setup a wireless network using a wizard and a USB flash key. The devices that could be configured in this manner needed an onboard USB port. These two new technologies took time to make their way into retail residential equipment. UPnP is now ubiquitous and USB based WCN has begun to appear, most notably in a group of devices from D-Link systems. This is wonderful technology, but there are still a limited number of wireless routers and peripherals with a USB port. <\/span><\/div>\n
I’ve got very good news for anyone who has struggled to setup a secure, simple wireless network that includes computers and devices. Features built into Windows Vista coupled with redesigned and intelligent wizards can make this an easier process. <\/span><\/div>\n
Note<\/strong>: this column was based on Windows Vista Beta 2. There have been significant changes to Network Center in later builds on the way to RTM. <\/span>My webcast on August 24th<\/sup> was based on newer builds. In this article, I will:<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Preview Two New Vista Networking Technologies<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Set up a Network with Simple Config and Windows Connect Now <\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Preview Link Layer Topology Discovery<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Preview Vista\u2019s Network Center<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>View and Specify File and Print Sharing Options<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Preview the Network Map<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Discuss older operating systems and older hardware<\/span><\/div>\n

Preview Two New Networking Technologies<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Windows Vista builds upon UPnP and WCN and adds a group of new technologies, referred to as Windows Rally<\/strong>, which will greatly simplify the setup and maintenance of a secure home network. One of these new technologies, <\/span>Link Layer Topology Discovery<\/span><\/a> (LLTD) works with both wired and wireless devices to enabled automatic topology discovery. LLTD has optional Quality of Service (QoS) Extensions that applications can use to diagnose problems, especially those involving signal strength on wireless networks or bandwidth issues in home networks. Fortunately, many recent existing devices will be upgradeable via new firmware to support LLTD so you may not need to purchase new routers, Internet Cameras, or other networked devices to take advantage of LLTD features. All computers running any version of Windows Vista also support LLTD. Microsoft is working on back porting LLTD to Windows XP via a Service Pack or QFE update. <\/span><\/div>\n
Windows Connect Now in Windows Vista now is coupled with a new Wi-Fi Alliance standard called Simple Config <\/strong>(working name, subject to change).<\/strong> This technology lets Vista discover an unconfigured router\/access point or a device and setup a wireless network over a wired Ethernet Connection. Simple Config<\/strong> uses a 4 or 8 digit to authenticate and confirm that the user has permission to configure a device.<\/span><\/div>\n
Microsoft’s Networking and Devices team and <\/span>Buffalo Technology<\/span><\/a> provided me with an off the shelf wireless router running developmental firmware which implements Simple Config and LLTD. <\/span>D-Link Systems<\/span><\/a> provided me with developmental firmware for their <\/span>DCS-950<\/span><\/a> Internet camera that implements LLTD. <\/span><\/div>\n

Set up a Network with Simple Config and Windows Connect Now<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Using the Buffalo Technology hardware provided to me, I was easily able to setup a new wireless router using WCN with \u201cover the wired network\u201d Simple Config. While I was using developmental firmware, it was very clear that this technology is a huge ease of use win for home users. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
There are several entry points to invoke the new wizard, but not all of them were completed in the builds I was using when I authored this article. The steps I used to access and use the new wizard (as shown in my demo movie) are:<\/span><\/div>\n
1.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Click the Start<\/strong> button, then Network<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
2.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>The Network Window<\/strong> will display<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
3.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Click to select Network<\/strong> Center<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
4.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>In the Network<\/strong> Center<\/strong> task pane<\/strong>, select Set up a connection or network<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
5.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Set up a network<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
6.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Click next<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
7.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>A window will display with Network Settings detection<\/strong> in progress<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
8.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>A default network name will display. Accept it or type a new name. (This name will appear in wireless network list after setup is complete).<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
9.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Use the secure default WPA passphrase or type a new one. Or click the advanced network security link for more options<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
10.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Using advanced network security options, a drop down menu lets you select different security types, such as WPA2-Personal, etc.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
11.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Type in the 4 or 8 digit PIN provided by the manufacturer then click next.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
12.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Specify File and Printer sharing options<\/strong>, and then click next<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
13.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Windows Vista now configures your wireless access point\/router.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
14.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>You can now use WCN and a USB flash key to setup the wireless network you’ve just configured on other Vista or Windows XP computers. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
15.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>The network you’ve just setup is now available in the list of Wireless Networks<\/strong> you can access on the computer used for setup.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

Preview Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD)<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Another major new networking technology called Link Layer Topology Discovery<\/strong> (LLTD<\/strong>) provides automatic discovery of LLTD compliant devices. LLTD in combination with UPnP can classify the device\u2019s capabilities, show a unique embedded icon, and display it on Windows Vista\u2019s Network Window<\/strong> (see Figure 1) and accurately position the device on the Network Map<\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a> <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Figure 1: The Network Window shows discovered devices. Right clicking a UPnP enabled device will display a shortcut menu, if available.<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
D-Link\u2019s DGS-950, with developmental LLTD firmware and UPnP support is identified as belonging to the Media Devices category and at the \u201cmainevent\u201d Network Location in the lower portion of the main Network Window. <\/span><\/div>\n
Double clicking the device icon will also open the device\u2019s Presentation URL (embedded administrative web page), if one is available using UPnP. Right clicking the device\u2019s icon in the Network Window displays an entry on a shortcut menu to invoke\/display that page. <\/span>The properties link on the shortcut menu displays a window with a link to the presentation URL, the vendor\u2019s web site and other information about the device, such as its MAC address, serial number, and IP address as shown below in Figure 2.<\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Figure 2: Device Details for a UPnP\/LLTD D-Link DCS-950 Internet Camera display information in a properties window.<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n

Preview Vista\u2019s Network Center<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Vista\u2019s Network<\/strong> Center<\/strong> (Figure 3) is a one stop command and visualization center that aggregates almost every wizard and control application related to Networking. <\/span>There are several paths to reach the Network Center<\/strong> including selecting Network<\/strong> from the Start<\/strong> button and then Network Center<\/strong> or you can use Start<\/strong> button, Control Panel<\/strong>, Network and Internet<\/strong>, View Network Status<\/strong> and Tasks<\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a> <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Figure 3: Network Center<\/strong> displays the connection status of your computer graphically. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
A red X would appear on a network segment where connectivity was broken, helping you trouble shoot what\u2019s wrong. <\/span>In the image below, my Vista laptop computer is successfully connected through the \u201cmainevent\u201d (wireless) network. <\/span>The signal strength is displayed, and additional links are available to view the Status<\/strong> of the connection. <\/span><\/div>\n
The task pane on the left of the Network Center<\/strong> window links to other network visualization and control features:<\/span><\/div>\n
1.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>View network computers and devices<\/strong> displays the same view as Figure X above.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
2.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Connect to..<\/strong> displays the list of available wireless networks<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
3.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Diagnose Internet connection<\/strong> invokes Vista\u2019s new Network Diagnostics<\/strong> which in many cases identifies the issue and offers the exact solution needed to restore connectivity<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
4.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Set up a connection or network<\/strong> displays the different kinds of networks you can setup and connect to, including:<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ad hoc<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Manually connect to a wireless network<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Connect to the Internet<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Set up a dial-up connection<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Connect to a Workplace<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00b7 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Set up a network<\/span><\/div>\n
Depending on the selection made, a wizard based process guides you through the steps. Earlier in this column, I demonstrated how to set up a new wireless network using WCN Simple Config.<\/span><\/div>\n
1.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Add a device to the network<\/strong> uses Windows Connect Now technology to discover an unconfigured device connected to your existing network and a similar wizard to the one used to setup a new network.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
2.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Reorder wireless networks<\/strong> displays the list of configured wireless networks and allows you to change the order. It also allows you to create and manage wireless network profiles.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
3.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Manage network connections<\/strong> displays the network adapters and their current status.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

View and Specify File and Print Sharing Options<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The state of Discovery and Sharing<\/strong> is shown in Network Center<\/strong> with a link to Network File and Print Sharing<\/strong> (see Figure 4) that lets you customize who has access to shared content on the computer, the Public Folders<\/strong>, attached Printers<\/strong>, and the contents of your Media Library<\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a> <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Figure 4: Network File and Printer Sharing – many sharing settings can be changed directly from this control panel applet. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
Tip<\/strong>: To share a folder not in the Users<\/strong> folder hierarchy, open Computer<\/strong> from the Start<\/strong> button, navigate to the folder you wish to share, right click this folder and then Share<\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

Preview the Network Map<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
A link labeled View Full Map<\/strong> in the Network<\/strong> Center<\/strong> window displays a graphic representation of the computers and devices on your network. The Network Map<\/strong> (Figure 5) relies on LLTD to map the layout of your network. <\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a> <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Figure 5: Windows Vista computers and devices with LLTD firmware will be placed on the Network Map where you can graphically view how they are interconnected.<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
As you can see in the image above, in my Network Map<\/strong> I have three Windows Vista computers, my D-Link DCS-950 camera with LLTD developmental firmware connected through switches and a wireless access point all connected to a residential gateway that connects to the Internet. <\/span><\/div>\n
On the bottom of the Network Map is a listing of devices that could not be placed on the map. You can see Gifthorse<\/em>, which is a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 computer and my D-Link DGL-4300 Gamer Lounge router. <\/span>These were discovered via UPnP but since they don\u2019t include support for LLTD, they aren\u2019t shown on the main map. The \u201cGateway\u201d at the top of the map is actually my DGL-4300. I also have a Windows 2003 Server computer (running in workgroup mode) and in Vista Beta 2, it does not appear at all. <\/span>(Microsoft is back porting a LLTD responder to Windows XP and when this update is released, Windows XP computers including Pro, Home, Media Center 2005 and Tablet Edition will be properly mapped.)<\/span><\/div>\n

Older operating systems and other older hardware<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
As of July 11, 2006, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows Millennium. <\/span>There will be no further security updates or patches. <\/span>If you\u2019re still using any of these older versions of Windows, consider upgrading your operating system if the computer meets minimum Windows XP specs. Or consider replacing the computer with a new <\/span>Vista ready computer<\/span><\/a>. Prices for reliable computers even at the entry level have never been lower. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
If you\u2019ve been sharing a printer (even an older discontinued printer) attached to an older computer with an older operating system, or even sharing a printer on a newer operating system, there are work arounds and options to use older printers in Windows Vista. <\/span>While I have a newer HP Photosmart 8450 Ethernet printer in my third floor home office, I also have an older HP Photosmart 7550 USB printer that I very much wanted to use on another floor with my Acer Ferrari 4000 laptop running Vista x64. But, I had several obstacles to overcome:<\/span><\/div>\n
1.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>This printer was no longer supported by HP and x64 drivers for Windows Vista will not be available.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
2.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>I did not want to hardwire the printer to a laptop and I wanted the printer to be located in my first floor utility room where my washer and dryer reside.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
3.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>I don\u2019t have wired Ethernet on any floor except my third floor home office.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
As I researched the x64 driver issue on the HP support site, I learned that the x64 driver for the HP DeskJet 990C would be a good match for this now obsolete but still usable printer. My next step was to consider a wireless print server of some kind. I found <\/span>D-Link\u2019s DPR-1260<\/span><\/a> 4 port wireless print server online. <\/span>This is an impressive wireless print server with two USB and two parallel ports. It even supports many multi function print\/scanner\/copier all-in-one devices. And it supports WPA-Personal for strong wireless security. <\/span><\/div>\n
After setting up the DPR-1260 itself through the web based administration application, I used the Add Printer wizard in Windows Vista x64 to install the HP Photosmart 7550. Here are the steps:<\/span><\/div>\n
1.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Start, Printers, Add a Printer<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
2.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Select network printer<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
3.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Stop the scan wizard and select printer is not on this list<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
4.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Select Connect to a printer at an IP address (Advanced)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
5.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Enter the IP address you previously assigned to the print server and uncheck auto-select printer driver<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
6.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Select Standard Network Printer Server (4 ports)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
7.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Select the port the cable is connected to (I used USB1 which is marked on the print server hardware)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
8.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Select HP as the manufacturer and DeskJet 990C as the model<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
9.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>Accept or change the printer name displayed and print a test page<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
10.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>The printer installation finishes<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
11.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>The wizard offers the option to share the printer. Since it is not necessary to access this printer in this manner, I did not select this option. Instead, I set this printer up on my other Windows Vista and XP computers individually. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
I\u2019m really happy with my wireless print server solution. I can now wirelessly print a quick shopping list or a web page to my ground floor printer. I\u2019ve brought new life to this old printer by finding a compatible driver for Windows Vista x64 and will have the convenience of a second printer for years to come. <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

Summary<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The new networking technologies and wizards in Windows Vista, in combination with support from the manufacturers of residential\/home networking equipment will clearly provide the easiest network setup experience possible. The \u201cconnected, networked home\u201d is becoming mainstream, and thanks to Windows Vista, your home network will be easy to configure, expand, and trouble shoot. <\/span><\/div>\n

Related Links<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ask a question or discuss this topic in the Windows Vista Network and Sharing Newsgroup<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
Link Layer Topology Discovery Protocol Specification<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
Windows Rally: Connectivity Technologies for Devices<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
Setup a Secure Wireless Network using Windows Connect Now<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Republished from Vista Community Column\/July 2006 by Reader Request) Since the launch of Microsoft Windows XP, I’ve spent a lot of time helping friends and family set up wireless routers. Over the past few years, I’ve also helped a number of people configure wireless networked devices connected to home theater systems that stream music from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[35],"tags":[292,41,45],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable":"

(Republished from Vista Community Column\/July 2006 by Reader Request) Since the launch of Microsoft Windows XP, I’ve spent a lot of time helping friends and family set up wireless routers. Over the past few years, I’ve also helped a number of people configure wireless networked devices connected to home theater systems that stream music from a host PC and I\u2019ve helped them add IP based Internet camera to their home networks. When Windows XP first launched, it was not an easy task to setup a home network and perform these tasks. A network setup wizard was provided, but it was…<\/p>\n","category_list":"Technology<\/a>","author_info":{"name":"Barb","url":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/author\/barb\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pvFKI-1R","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalmediaphile.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}