If we talk about computer networks, then there are two types: global (currently the term refers to the Internet) and local. The main difference is in the number of connected computing devices. And everything else is its consequences.
That is, it is quite obvious that the
global network covers a large territory, its topology (structure) involves the use of "nodes" - special server computers that process the transmitted data packets, etc. But a relatively small number of devices participate in the local connection. And routing is extremely simple. It may seem that a local area network connection is the prerogative of short distances. In fact,
this is a fallacy: the connection between the spacecraft’s computer and the ground center is just local, but not global at all.
A local area network connection allows computers to exchange information at speeds far exceeding the average for the Internet. Sometimes this is a decisive factor in choosing how to connect multiple computing devices. Connecting to a local network, as a rule, does not require large financial investments. At the hardware level, network cards and the medium connecting them - cable (Ethernet) or radio waves (Wi-Fi) are required. If you want to include more than two devices in the network, then you will need a special device (switch or hub). Well, the software component, namely the local area network xp connection (the popular operating system from Microsoft is implied), we will now consider.
When the
network cards of the two computers are physically connected, make sure that the connection on the local network is completed. In Windows XP, for this you need to follow the path "Start - Control Panel - Network Connections" (you can also get here through the link in the Explorer "My Computer") and make sure that the LAN connection is active (it says "Connected"). If this condition is not met, then you need to check the status of the cable and install the latest
drivers for network cards. By the way, sometimes difficulties arise due to a damaged card, which cannot be determined otherwise than by visual inspection of the back side of the turned on system unit (a green LED should be lit on the “network card”). Note that a hardware malfunction is one of the reasons due to which users complain that the LAN connection has disappeared.
Now you are ready to set up. We call the properties of the desired local connection and select “Protocol” in the “General” tab. In this case, automatic settings are not the best choice, so we rearrange the “checkmark” in manual mode. In the line “IP-address” it is necessary to register 192.168.0.x (the last digit is any one from the range 1-255). The mask is standard - 255.255.255.0.
Then select “Properties” of the “Computer” link in the menu of the “Start” button. We follow to the tab "Name". Here, according to the rules (there is a hint), we prescribe the name of the working group and the computer itself. It remains to click "Apply."
On the other computer, we perform the same actions. There are two differences: the last digit of the IP address and name must be different (but the group is the same). We wait while the network is initializing, and we are “looking for” a computer in a network environment.