Other ways to secure your Network

Another way to protect a home network is to use a hardware device called a residential gateway, or router. A residential gateway contains a firewall and replaces an ICS host computer as the central Internet connection. Because it contains no files, folders or other data, and cannot be used to manipulate computers to which it is linked, a residential gateway offers a greater degree of protection than an ICS host computer. Should a hacker manage to bypass the firewall, the only access gained is to the device, which is in effect empty. A disadvantage of a residential gateway is the extra cost it adds to putting together a network.

You can create a home network having neither an ICS host computer nor a residential gateway, but at a high cost to security—and convenience. With such a setup, Internet access can be obtained by linking each computer directly to the Internet service provider via the computer's own modem, or else all computers on the network can be linked to an Ethernet hub, which functions as a central Internet connection. Neither of these methods provides firewall protection; and while Internet Connection Firewall can be enabled on networked computers running Windows XP, doing so prevents those computers from sharing files and devices such as printers.

Protecting your Network with Firewall

When you create a home network connected to the Internet, you increase the vulnerability of your computers to unauthorized access, including viruses. To protect your network, you need to create a type of barrier called a firewall. Windows XP comes with a firewall that you create when setting up a home network.

How does a firewall work?

Like an actual firewall built to prevent fire from spreading between adjoining buildings, computer firewalls prevent the spread of unauthorized communication between an individual computer or group of networked computers and the Internet. One of the most effective ways to protect a home network—and the least expensive—is to create a firewall on the ICS host computer, and to make sure that computer is the only one on the network with a direct connection to the Internet.

Running Windows XP Network Setup Wizard

The final step is to run Windows XP Network Setup Wizard. You'll need to do this first on the ICS host computer, then on each of the client computers. The wizard guides you through the following steps:

• Configuring your network adapters.
• Configuring all of your computers to share one Internet connection.
• Naming each computer.
• Automatically sharing the Shared Files folder with the computers on the network.
• Automatically sharing printers that are connected to computers on the network.
• Installing a firewall.
• Installing network bridging components.
• Installing Internet Connection Sharing Discovery and Control components.

Run Network Setup Wizard on the Host

You must run Network Setup Wizard on the Windows XP ICS host computer

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Set up or change your home or small office network.

Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Designate this computer (the host) as the one sharing its Internet connection. After running the wizard on your ICS host computer, run it on the client computers by performing the following steps:

Run Network Setup Wizard on the clients

1. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM.
2. On the menu that appears, click Perform Additional Tasks.
3. On the next menu that appears, click Setup home or small office networking.

If you do not own a Windows XP CD-ROM, you can copy Network Setup Wizard onto a floppy disk while running the wizard on the ICS host computer. Then use the floppy disk to run the wizard on the client computers. The floppy disk is created when you run Network Setup Wizard.

If you ran Network Setup Wizard and did not create a floppy disk, you'll need to run the wizard again to create the floppy disk. While running the wizard, make sure you use the same settings as when you ran the wizard the first time.

Run Network Setup Wizard from a floppy disk

• Insert the network setup disk into the computer you want to network.
• Double-click My Computer.
• Double-click 3½ Floppy (A:).
• Double-click netsetup.exe.

The wizard tests to make sure everything on your network is functioning correctly. When it is done, you're ready to enjoy your home network!

Connecting network components

When you've obtained everything you'll need to build your network, arrange the parts in their proper locations. Next, if you are using Ethernet or HPNA components, link the computers by running cable between them (Ethernet) or connecting each computer to the household telephone wiring via a phone jack (HPNA), or by simply installing the wireless network adapter.

Safety warning:

If you are installing any type of internal network adapter, ensure the power to the computer is switched off. Failure to do so could result in injury, as well as damage to your computer.

Assemble your network

When you've made up your mind about the type of network that's best for you, make a list of all the components you will need. It may help to start by listing all the equipment you have already have; that way you can more easily spot what is missing. Here's an example of how such a list might look:

Computer	Type of network adapter installed	Type of Internet connection	Other devices connected
Study/Den (ICS host)	Ethernet	DSL	Color Printer
Son's bedroom	None	Internal 56k modem	Digital camera
Daughter's bedroom	None	None	None
Family room	Ethernet	Internal 28.8k modem	Printer

Afterward, compare your list to the items required for the network you've chosen:

Network type	Network adapters needed	Hub type	Cables
Ethernet	One for each computer—all must operate at the same speed	One that supports the number of computers in your network	RJ-45 network cables for each computer in your network
Home phoneline network adapter (HPNA)	One for each computer	None	Telephone cables to run from each computer to a phone jack
Wireless	One for each computer	None	None

Now go shopping!