Configuring and Troubleshooting TCP/IP 1

TCP/IP encompasses a vast array of utilities and network services. This suite of services has evolved to become the industry standard for both the Internet and for local area networks (LANs) using personal computer network operating systems like Novell NetWare 5, Unix, and Windows XP.

TCP/IP is the default protocol when you install Windows XP Professional. It provides a means for connecting dissimilar computer systems. TCP/IP scales well and is typically the best choice for any size of organization. TCP/IP and its name resolution partner, Domain Name System (DNS), are both required components for implementing Active Directory in the Windows 2000/2003 Server family of products.

Deciphering the TCP/IP Protocol Suite for Windows XP
TCP/IP is more than a standardized specification for data transport over a network wire. It is a sophisticated toolbox of data transport services, name resolution services, and troubleshooting utilities. Microsoft’s implementation of TCP/IP for Windows XP includes the following network services and components:

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) This service is based on an industry-standard specification for automatically assigning (or leasing) IP addresses to computers connected to the network. The addresses are assigned from a predefined pool (or scope) of IP addresses that an administrator must configure. DHCP makes the chore of assigning and maintaining TCP/IP addresses on hundreds or thousands of computers much easier than having to maintain an exhaustive list of IP addresses and computer names by hand. However, administrators should manually assign static IP addresses for domain controllers, file and print server computers, and printers. You can install the DHCP service only in the Windows 2000/2003 Server product line, but DHCP can assign addresses to both servers and workstations. Any operating system that can make DHCP-enabled requests for IP addresses can use a DHCP server that is running Windows 2000. DHCP-enabled operating systems include Windows 3.x, 9x, ME, NT, 2000, 2003 and XP.

DNS server Computers understand and work well with numbers, but humans remember names much more easily than numbers. TCP/IP requires that each network device be assigned a numeric IP address. DNS, in conjunction with DNS servers, maps numeric IP addresses to computer (host) names and vice versa. DNS employs a hierarchical system of domains and subdomains that helps to make this name resolution service very scalable. DNS servers mitigate the need for a manually maintained HOSTS file to be stored on each computer. Windows 2000/2003 DNS servers offer added functionality such as Active Directory Integrated Zones, Incremental Zone Transfers, and Secure Dynamic Updates. DNS is a requirement for implementing Active Directory.

• Configuring and Troubleshooting TCP/IP 2