Introduction to Networking

Who Needs a Network?
Why Go Wireless
What Makes a Network Work?
Key Stages in Developing Your Network

Wired Networking Basics

Making the Most of USB
Protocols and Packets
Network Topologies
Wired Network Components
Installing a Network Interface Card and    Drivers
Wiring Up Your Network

Network Resource Sharing

Network Setup Using Windows XP
Sharing Files and Folders
Sharing a Printer
Sharing a Drive
My Network Places
Network Protocols and Services
Internet Protocol (IP) Addressing

Going Mobile: Hotspot Networking

Introducing Wireless Hotspots
Wireless Network Adapters for Laptop    Computers
Installing a Laptop Wireless Network    Adapter
Finding a Wireless Hotspot
Connecting to Hotspot Services
Hotspots in USA and Canada
Hotspots in UK and Europe
International Hotspots
Hotspot Security
Using a non-Windows Connection    Manager

Ad hoc Wireless Networking

Introduction
Wireless Network Adapters for Desktop    Computers
Installing a Wireless Adapter in Windows XP
Connecting to an Ad hoc Wireless    Network
Creating a New Ad hoc Wireless Network
Maintaining Security for Ad hoc    Networks

Advanced Networking Options

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Managing a Shared Internet    Connection
Using Internet Connection Firewall
Enabling the ICF Log File
Viewing the ICF Log File
Using the ICF Log File to Monitor    Internet Traffic
Monitoring Network Performance

Infrastructure Mode Wireless Networking

Introduction to Infrastructure Mode
Access Points for Home and Small    Office Networks
Installing the Router and Configuring    Network PCs
Checking PC Configuration
Basic Access Point/Router Configuration
Advanced Access Point/Router    Configuration
DHCP Server Setup
MAC Address Filtering
Internet Filters
Advanced Options: Port Forwarding
Advanced Options: Routing
Advanced Options: Dynamic Domain    Name System

Wireless Network Security

What's at Stake?
Wireless Security Best Practice
Wi-Fi Protected Acess (WPA)
Updating Windows XP for WPA
Updating Windows XP with Service Pack 1 Updates
Updating Wireless Adapter Drivers for    WPA

Extending Wireless Network Range

Why Worry About Range?
Making the Most of What You've Got
Using an External Antenna to Increase    Range
Do-It-Yourself Antennas
Wireless Network Bridging
Community Wireless
Set Up Your Own Wireless ISP (WISP)

Network Troubleshooting

First Analyze the Problem
Troubleshooting Network Adapters
Troubleshooting Network Resource    Hosts
Troubleshooting Network connections
Wireless Interference
Troubleshooting Internet Connection    Sharing
Wireless Zero Configuration is Not    Accessible
Checking Network Connectivity
Other DOS Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic using MS Help and Support    Center

The Future of Networking

What's in Store?
Networked Media: Wi-Fi Meets Hi-Fi
Tomorrow's Phone: Wi-Fi + VoIP
The Networked Home