4.1 Windows 95 Dial-up Networking
4.1.1 Basics and issues
Windows 95 provides connectivity to mobile users who wish to exchange data remotely. Of all the functionality within Windows, one that interests us is dialup networking, which lets us turn our workstation into a dialup client or server. This section covers some of the connectivity tools that Windows 95 provides to mobile users. Dialup networking server capabilities are available only if you install Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95, and can accommodate only one modem.

Windows 95 provides many tools to enhance and increase mobile users' productivity:

  • Remote mail-Mobile users can remotely exchange e-mail messages with an MS Exchange server by using client software such as MS Outlook.
  • Direct cable connection-Using a parallel or null modem cable or infrared devices, this tool allows you to set up a two-node, peer-to-peer network using Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX) or NetBEUI protocols.
  • Windows 95 Briefcase-This tool helps keep your files synchronized when you use two computers.
  • Deferred printing-When your laptop is not connected either to a printer or to the network, deferred printing saves the print information until your printer is reconnected, at which time the printing will happen automatically.
  • Support for other vendors' tolls for dialup-It is possible to use Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking to dial in to other remote access servers such as Windows NT, Shiva, and NetWare.

The issues that you should consider when working with Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking include hardware requirements, network design and security requirements, and configuration requirements.

The required hardware follows:

  • One or more compatible modems, or an ISDN adapter

  • 2 to 3 MB of hard-disk space to install Dial-Up Networking

The issues to resolve include the following:

  • Considering what type of remote-access server that the remote users connect to and which connection protocol to use

  • Deciding what type of LAN protocol to install on dialup client and server: TCP/IP, IPX, or NetBEUI

  • Determining what security is required

Finally, configuration includes the following components:

  • Dialup clients and servers

  • Connection protocols

  • Network LAN protocols and network servers

  • Security