Best 'How tos' for creating peer-to-peer workgroups?

[Blithe]

I have searched the Internet for W2k to W2k networking tips. They are
contradictory at best. For example:

1. On basic TCP/IP settings: Some say NetBEUI is unnecessary vs. others
who do not.
2. Addressing: Some say use dynamic addressing vs. others who specify what
specific address to use for host & client PC NIC respectively.

My experience has been just as mixed as the 'expert' recommendations:

1. Sometimes I can get one PC to see the other but not without taking
forever in Network Neighborhood.
2. I was able to connect a WinXP to a W2K PC without NetBEUI but currently
I discover NetBEUI is a necessity to see & access shared folders. The
workgroup is functioning at present with assigned IP addresses. I'd prefer
to go to dynamic.

I am looking for reliability & consistency. How do I get there? Please
provide links that worked for you.

Currently (& soon to change to a DSL connection with a proprietary
modem/router & built-in firewall) I have the following setup for two W2K
(SP4) PCs:

Host PC: AMD Athlon 1700+
Client: Pentium III 450 MHz
NICs: D-Link DFE-530TX+ (PCI)
HUB: D-Link Model DSS-5+

Special Note: (1) No ICS or firewall (2) Both PCs operated thru a KVM switch
(Belkin Omni Cube 4-Port)

Thanks for your suggestions.
Blithe

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

I have searched the Internet for W2k to W2k networking tips. They are
contradictory at best. For example:

1. On basic TCP/IP settings: Some say NetBEUI is unnecessary vs.
others who do not.
2. Addressing: Some say use dynamic addressing vs. others who
specify what specific address to use for host & client PC NIC
respectively.

My experience has been just as mixed as the 'expert' recommendations:

1. Sometimes I can get one PC to see the other but not without taking
forever in Network Neighborhood.
2. I was able to connect a WinXP to a W2K PC without NetBEUI but
currently I discover NetBEUI is a necessity to see & access shared
folders. The workgroup is functioning at present with assigned IP
addresses. I'd prefer to go to dynamic.

I am looking for reliability & consistency. How do I get there?
Please provide links that worked for you.

Currently (& soon to change to a DSL connection with a proprietary
modem/router & built-in firewall) I have the following setup for two
W2K (SP4) PCs:

Host PC: AMD Athlon 1700+
Client: Pentium III 450 MHz
NICs: D-Link DFE-530TX+ (PCI)
HUB: D-Link Model DSS-5+

Special Note: (1) No ICS or firewall (2) Both PCs operated thru a KVM
switch (Belkin Omni Cube 4-Port)

Thanks for your suggestions.
Blithe

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp

 

[Robert Moir]

I have searched the Internet for W2k to W2k networking tips. They are
contradictory at best. For example:

1. On basic TCP/IP settings: Some say NetBEUI is unnecessary vs.
others who do not.

You don't need netBEUI. Anyone who says you need it for a simple peer to
peer network is crazy.

2. Addressing: Some say use dynamic addressing vs. others who
specify what specific address to use for host & client PC NIC
respectively.

Saying which way is the best for this is like saying which way to have your
breakfast eggs cooked is the "best". Its a matter of taste and conveniance.

I tend to use fix addresses for my home network of 3 or 4 machines.

 

[Blithe]

Thanks for that link, Steve. Looks promising. I'll soon give it a workout.

Blithe