Objectives
This lab will introduce you to a peer-to-peer network by connecting two computers together
and sharing their resources. Resource sharing allows a user who is logged on to one computer
gain access to resources on another computer. These resources include files, disk drives and
printers. Our goal is to learn how to make these physical connections and how to configure the
software so that this is possible.
Lab Preparation
In order to complete this lab you will need at least two workstations loaded with Windows 8
(earlier versions will also work), two Ethernet cables (about 10’ long each) and a small switch or
hub. The workstations should have Ethernet network interface cards installed; which is standard
for most computers sold today. Ethernet cabling comes in a variety of types and categories and
the most common is straight-through, category 5 or 6. Straight-through cabling is used to
connect computers to hubs or switches, while cross-over cabling is used to connect computers
directly without using a central connecting device such as a hub or switch. Another use for cross
over cabling is to connect switches together, however, many switches have auto-sensing ports so
that you can use either cross-over or straight-through. The category of cabling determines the
maximum link speed and cable run: “Cat 5” (or Cat 5e) is capable of 100 Mbps for 100 meters
(330 ft.) while “Cat 6” is capable of 1 Gbps for 100 meters. After 100 meters, the signal has
attenuated enough that it requires regeneration. Regeneration is normally provided by the
devices used to connect networks, such as switches, routers and gateways.
First, we will work with the physical connections between the computers. In order to
connect computers with Ethernet cables and set them up so that they can communicate, the
hardware must first be installed and connected properly. Next, we will configure the software so
that each computer can be “seen” by the other computer(s) on the network. We will then learn
how to share a resource on one computer with another and finally, we will look at some
diagnostic tools.
Procedure [Note: Steps are summarized in the Appendix]
Step 1 Connecting the hardware
You should connect one end of each of the cables to the network adapters on each computer
and the other end to a switch or hub (this should be straight-through cable, about 5 to 10 ft. long,
which is sometimes called “patch” cable). Your network should resemble the diagram shown in
Figure 1. If you add more computers, you will need both a cable and a port on your hub or
switch for each. This is a physical star topology because all computers are connected to a central
connecting point. However, it is considered a logical bus if you are using a hub, since all
computers will share the connection; or if you are using a switch, the topology is both a physical
and a logical star, since connections are made and broken upon demand and are not shared.
Small 5 or 8 port switches are ideal for this setup and they usually have a number of lights
associated with each port on them. These lights usually tell you whether or not there is activity
on the port, the link speed of the port, and its duplex setting (full or half)