Before you start
Objectives: learn where to find and how to manage various networking components in XP
Prerequisites: to read about network connections in general check out the article Required Parameters for Network Connection
Key terms: component, network, connection, service, manage, properties, protocol, client
Networking Components
After we attach our network device, for example Network Interface Card (NIC), to our computer, and after we install appropriate drivers, we need to create a network connection. In order for that network connection to work we need to use network components, which are protocols, services and clients. Every networking device will have some networking components bound to it. The concept of binding is to associate either a service or a protocol to a connection or to a particular piece of hardware.To manage network components in XP, go to Control Panel, then Network Connections, select particular connection, right-click it, and go to its properties.
Image 214.1 – Network Components
Here we can customize how our computer communicates on the network by adding and removing various network components. To add a component click ‘Install’ button, and select the type of a network component. In our case we will select ‘Protocol’ and then select IPv6, so that our machine will be ready if we move to the IPv6 enabled network.
Image 214.2 – Component Type
Image 214.3 – Protocol Selection
Now let’s take a look at the items that were actually installed.
Image 214.4 – IPv6 Added
As you can see, the ‘Microsoft TCP/IP version 6’ was installed successfully. Now we’ll install a service. Click ‘Install’, select ‘Service’ this time, and click ‘Add’.
Image 214.5 – Service Component
We want to install the ‘Service Advertising Protocol’ so we’ll select it and click OK again.
Image 214.6 – Service Advertising Protocol
In most cases, when we install networking component, it is automatically enabled for use by all network connections for which the component is valid. To remove networking components from the computer, open the properties for connection, select the component, and click ‘Uninstall’ button. In this case, let’s remove the ‘QOS Packet Scheduler’.
Image 214.7 – Component Uninstall
Click Yes to confirm. Keep in mind that the component is removed for all connections, not just the connection we’re currently editing. To disable a component on a specific connection, we will go to its properties, and use the check boxes.
Image 214.8 – Disable Component
We do not want to use the ‘Uninstall’ button in the situation where we want to disable particular component for particular device, as this will remove the component from all adapters.
Remember
Networking components can be protocols, services and clients. We can customize how our computer communicates on the network by adding and removing various network components. If we want to uninstall component for all connections we can use the ‘Uninstall’ button. If we want to disable particular component for particular connection we should use the appropriate check box.