Local area network

Introduction[edit | edit source]

“A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media.[1] The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.” (wikipedia, retrieved sept. 2012)

I created this page for writing down a few tricks for end-users - Daniel K. Schneider 16:13, 17 September 2012 (CEST)

Finding other machines on your local network[edit | edit source]

Under Windows 7[edit | edit source]

Using built-in command langauge

• Open a terminal (comand prompt)
• Type: Net View
  • This will show Windows machines and machines that "talk to Windows"

Software to install (no guarantees at all. It's your decision !!!)

• NetResView, provides more information, e.g. sharable parts, workgroups, etc. for windows machines. Doesn't find my Linux machine that has a broken graphics driver :(

• Softperfect NetworkScanner
  • Caveat: You will have to register with the company, then give them remote admin rights ...
  • The system works as a server talking to your web browser. In an open environment, you could change the port number. In a firewalled one, keep port 80 and shut down any web server or other applications that may use this port (e.g. Skype)
  • When you launch the application it will open a page on your web browser, click on inventory (then wait some time)

• NMap (recommended, it will find all devices)
  • Multi-OS freeware with a windows frontend.
  • The Interface is more complex than what you need, but you can get a lot of information
  • Requires you to enter an IP range for scanning, e.g. 168.168.30.1-254