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| Networking |
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| With Sabinus Eboh (sabinus_ng@yahoo.com)
08082350001 |
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| Troubleshooting
Your Network (Part 2) |
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In
the first part of this write-up, I talked about the issues
that lead to network problems with more emphasis on the hardware
aspects. In this second part, I will be looking at the issues
pertaining to the software aspects that can affect your network
performance.
DHCP Server
In configuring your DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) Server,
make sure there are no other devices or systems configured
to be leasing out IP addresses automatically. Example can
be sighted in a situation where there is a router configured
in the same network with a DHCP server. In such a situation,
the DHCP feature in the router should be disabled in order
to avoid IP address conflict which will arise from such configuration.
I will advice that static IP addressing be considered.
Limited Connectivity
If your Network Interface Card (NIC) reports limited connectivity;
it can be due to one or more reasons like; poor cable termination
or inability to acquire an IP address. In case of acquiring
an IP address, try the repair option in the LAN connection
properties. If this option does not solve the problem try
the static IP address configuration option.
Logging On To Local Domain The inability to log on to your
local domain apart from the issues raised above can be caused
by wrong IP addressing as well as wrong user name.
The issue of wrong domain name usage must be carefully observed.
No alphabet or numeric character should be omitted in configuring
the domain or user name. If a user forgets his username or
password, the Network Administrator should be able to logon
with an administrator password and at the same time be able
to reassign a new username and password to the user. It is
not advisable to assign administrative rights to ordinary
users. It helps to checkmate users' ability to alter network
settings and configurations.
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Network Printer
Problems
The most common problem here is the inability of other
network users to be able to print from a network printer.
If a system in the network is configured as the Print
Server, one may find a situation where only the system
directly connected to the printer can print to it making
it
difficult for other users not to print from other workstations
on the network. |
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A proper
sharing and configuration of the Print Server should be carried
out allowing access by other workstations and users. In addition
to this, the workstations should also be properly configured
by creating a network part that points to the Print Server.
Some printers use Jet Direct. This device allows them to be
connected directly to the network Ethernet hub, switch or router.
Unique name and IP address can be assigned through one of the
systems on the network with the aid of the driver software that
comes with the printer. This name is then implored in the printer
sharing process.
Some printers come with in-built programs with display unit.
One can use the program to assign IP addresses and name to the
printer. Failure to do this sometimes affects the printer configuration
and sharing.
Corruption Of The Operating System
A corrupt file system can cause the crashing of both the workstation
and server system in a network. A proper backup of the systems
configurations and settings should be maintained. This will
in turn help in easy restoration in case of a missing system
file.
A proper backup also allows for easy network restoration in
the case of total system/ server crash. In Windows operating
systems backup can be initiated through 'SYSTEM TOOLS' found
in Accessories Programs. A program in Windows called 'CHKDSK'
can be initiated from DOS to restore a crashed Windows caused
by an unstable hard disk.
Dealing With Viruses
& Spywares
Virus and Spywares these days have continued to give system
users more headaches with no clear-cut solution in place. They
are becoming more daring making networks to not only crawl but
most times hang the systems. The antivirus programs are proving
to be ineffective against their activities.
There is a method I use which has been working for me. I partition
my hard disk into two. I then install my operating system on
one partition and my application programs and data on the remaining
partition. I now use freezing software and freeze the partition
containing my Operating System. This method makes it difficult
for viruses and spywares to affect my Operating System. My system
is not only safe but it makes it run smoothly.
Internet Access Problems
Apart from the sharing of devices and resources, another main
issue or reason for networking is the sharing of Internet access.
The inability of other users on the network to browse the Internet
through other workstations can be attributed to the Internet
sharing configuration. The type of Internet access device installed
by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) determines the type of
Internet access sharing that would be configured.
For those using Dial-up access, the use of router for sharing
might not be feasible. The dial-up access modem setting has
to be properly configured and shared. Make sure you don't choose
the 'Always dial my default connection' feature in the Internet
Connection Properties option. It causes disconnection whenever
one tries to browse the Internet by clicking on the Internet
Explorer.
Make sure too that the correct Maximum Port Speed for the modem
connection is set.
If PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) device is used
sharing Internet access with ordinary Windows is very difficult
but a Router with PPPoE feature allows for easy sharing.
For VSAT and Wireless Broadband access, the use of Router for
Internet access sharing for both wired and wireless network
is most preferable. WAN configuration in the Router must be
configured with the ISP's assigned IP address including the
Gateway and DNS addresses.
The LAN configuration of the router has to be configured with
static IP addresses or in a way that allows IP addresses to
be dynamically assigned to the workstations to enable them have
access to the Internet. In the absence of a Router, a system
with Windows can be used to share the access. The network device
which connects to the ISP device is the one to be shared and
must be sure to be connected and working fine.
I know without doubt this information will help you in managing
your network better. You can call or write me concerning your
network and system problems. |
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