6. Implementing network protocols and services

Table of Contents

1. Configuring and Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Protocol
   1. TCP/IP Components
   2. Alternate TCP/IP Configuration
   3. TCP/IP Addressing
   4. Classless Interdomain Routing
   5. Configuring TCP/IP
   6. Manual Configuration
   7. Troubleshooting TCP/IP
   8. Troubleshooting TCP/IP Configuration and Connectivity
2. Connecting to Computers Using Dial-Up Networking
3. Connecting to Resources Using a Web Browser
4. Configuring Internet Explorer
5. Configuring, Managing and Troubleshooting a Firewall

Configuring and Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Protocol

If two computers wish to communicate, they must speak the same language, known as a protocol. There must also be some kind of connection between them, eg: a computer network, such as Ethernet. There is a huge range of protocols available, including TCP/IP, NetBEUI and IPX/SPX. Windows XP supports all of these, and many others, but by far the most important one is Terminal Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

TCP/IP is a fundamental component of the Internet and it is also used in many local area network (LAN) operating systems, including Linux/Unix, Novell Netware 5 and Windows XP. Unfortunately, TCP/IP can be confusing to configure and troubleshooting TCP/IP problems can be difficult.

Strictly speaking, TCP/IP is a protocol suite, rather than a single protocol as it includes a whole variety of utilities and network services. TCP/IP is the default protocol installed with Windows XP. TCP/IP and its name resolution partner, Domain Name System (DNS), are both necessary for implementing Active Directory on Windows 2000/2003 server systems.

TCP/IP is a highly scaleable protocol which allows connections to be made easily between dissimilar computer systems, eg: a Windows XP system can communicate with a Linux system via TCP/IP.

A record of the actions you have taken to configure the TCP/IP protocol can contribute towards your logbook for this unit.

Next: TCP/IP Components