Putting it Together
Tools you need
computer tool kit
If you are using bulk cable
- wire cutters
- wire strippers
- crimp tool
If you're running cable through walls:
- hammer
- keyhole saw
- flashlight
- ladder
- fish tape
Configuring and Installing Your Network Cards
- DIP switches
- jumper blocks
- software configured
- IRQ - Interrupt ReQuest (usually 5, 9, 11, 12 or 13) - find one that is not being used
- I/O Port address (usually 300h) - used to transfer information to/from network
- DMA Channel - Direct Memory Access (may not be used)
- cable type - Thinnet / 10BaseT
Installing the card
- Turn computer off and unplug it
- Remove the cover from the computer
- Find an unused expansion slot inside the computer
- Remove the slot protector
- Insert the network card and secure it with the screw
- Replace the cover
Working with Cable
- Always use more cable than you need
- Avoid sources of interference (e.g. fluorescent lights) (at least 3 ft)
- cover the cable if on floor
- label each cable carefully
- tie cables together with cable ties
Attaching a BNC connector to thinnet cable
- slide hollow tube portion of the connector (ferrule) over the cable
- cut the end of the cable off cleanly
- strip the cable
- twist the strands of the center conductor tightly and insert into the center pin
- crimp the center pin
- slide the connector body over the center pin and inner insulation but under the braided shield
- slide the ferrule forward until it touches the connector body and crimp it
Attaching an RJ-45 connector to UTP cable
| Pin Number | Proper Connection |
|---|
| Pin 1 | Orange/white wire |
| Pin 2 | Orange wire |
| Pin 3 | Green/white wire |
| Pin 4 | Blue wire |
| Pin 5 | Blue/white wire |
| Pin 6 | Green wire |
| Pin 7 | Brown/white wire |
| Pin 8 | Brown wire |
- Cut the end of the cable to the desired length
- Strip the cable
- Arrange the wires so that they lay flat in the proper sequence
- Insert the wires in the correct pin channels
- Crimp the wires
Installing the Network Software
Install the server software
- Run setup
- define the server shared resources (drives, printers)
- build the user list
- if NetWare, modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT to start the network
Install the client software
- Windows - Add New Hardware installs the network card drivers
- UNIX (Linux) - Install program
- NetWare - install NETX.EXE (network shell) and IPX.EXE (redirector)
Testing Your Network Installation
- check the cable
- if thinnet, check the terminators
- if UTP, check the hub
- check the network card configuration
- try different protocols (NetBEUI / TCP/IP)
Professional Touches
- Use 10BaseT wiring
- Run wiring through ceilings and walls instead of along the floor and mount a wall jack near each computer
- Use 10 ft. patch cables
- Designate a wiring closet and attach the cables to a punch-down block and then to a patch-panel
- connect the jacks in the patch panel to the hub using 3-ft jumper cables
