Local and Remote Network Connections

Each connection in the Network and Dial-up Connections folder contains a set of features that you can use to create a link between your computer and another computer or network. Outgoing connections contact a remote access or VPN server by using a configured access method (LAN, dial-up modem, ISDN line, and so on) to establish a connection with the network. Conversely, an incoming connection enables a computer running Windows 2000 Professional to be contacted by other computers, effectively turning your computer into a dial-in server. Whether you are connected locally (by a LAN), remotely (by dial-up, ISDN, and so on), or both, you can configure a connection so that it performs any network function that you want. For example, you can print to network printers, access network drives and files, browse other networks, and access the Internet. If you have upgraded to Windows 2000 Professional, Network and Dial-up Connections , shown in Figure 21.2, detects Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 Dial-up Networking phonebooks and creates a connection for each phonebook entry.

Figure 21.2 Network and Dial-up Connections

The Make New Connection wizard always appears in the Network and Dial-up Connections folder. It launches the Network Connection Wizard, which guides you through the process of creating all connection types, except for local area connections. Figure 21.3 shows the Network Connection Wizard .

Figure 21.3 Network Connection Wizard

The steps in the wizard guide you through the selection of the configuration options that are required for each type of connection. The wizard enables you to select among five common tasks to create a connection type. Each connection type is then automatically configured with the most appropriate defaults for most cases. The following types of connections are available:

Dial-up to private network

This type of connection enables you to connect to a corporate network, rather than the Internet. File and Printer Sharing is enabled.

Dial-up to the Internet

This type of connection enables you to connect to the Internet. It launches the Internet Connection Wizard. File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is disabled. This protects your computers file and print share from computers on the Internet.

The Internet Connection Wizard automatically connects you to the Microsoft Referral Service to help you select an ISP if you choose Dial-up to the Internet and either:

• I want to sign up for a new Internet account. (My telephone line is connected to my modem.)

• I want to transfer my existing Internet account to this computer. (My telephone line is connected to my modem.)

The Microsoft Referral Service automates the process and provides the phone numbers to you.

Note

Before you create an Internet connection, check with your Internet service provider (ISP) to verify the required connection settings. A connection to your ISP might require one or more of the following settings:

• A specific IP address.

• An IP header compression (for PPP).

• A DNS addresses and domain names.

• Other optional settings, such as Internet Protocol security (IPSec).

Connect to a private network through the Internet

This type of connection enables you to create a VPN. By default, it is set to automatically detect whether to create a VPN using L2TP or PPTP.

Accept incoming connections

This type of connection enables other users to dial into your computer.

Connect directly to another computer

This type of connection enables you to connect through a serial port, parallel port, or infrared.

Note

Local area connections cannot be created, because they are automatically created when the Plug and Play service detects network adapters. However, local area connections can be configured at any time.