Local area network

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Draft

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