Taking the Trouble Out of TCP/IP
Don't let Windows 2000 TCP/IP control you. Control
it, using this book as a reference.
- By Paul G. Brown
- February 01, 2001
Troubleshooting Windows 2000 TCP/IP is a solid
guide to tracking down those Windows 2000 TCP/IP
problems that drive you nuts and can even cost
you your job. The focus is on connectivity: Making
things talk to each other reliably and consistently.
This book provides the starting point for resolving
TCP/IP issues.
Before you fix anything, though, you need to
understand what you're dealing with. Chapter 1
is a review of TCP/IP from a conceptual point
of view. It looks at the history of TCP/IP, plus
standards, models and hardware components, providing
a reference for readers who are new to TCP/IP
troubleshooting and may need this information
for later chapters. Experienced network professionals
can skip this chapter if they like; although,
everyone can use a refresher course once in a
while.
A good thing about this book is that it doesn't
forget that everyone isn't coming from Windows
NT. For example, we have DOS applications, Novell
and UNIX - with the problems inherent in each.
In recognition of this, Chapter 2 covers planning
and migration. Those working with a Win2K network
may be tempted to skip this chapter, but a lot
of benefit can be obtained from comparing the
recommended planning and migration steps for each
operating environment.
Segueing into Chapter 3, we learn how to successfully
lay the groundwork for resolving a TCP/IP problem.
We examine various models that can be used to
form the basis of different phases in the resolution
process. Upon finishing this chapter, readers
should be able to review their own environments
and develop customized resolution models.
How does TCP/IP really work? Chapter 4 offers
an in-depth explanation, and it's also the first
chapter where actual troubleshooting is covered.
IPSEC, multicasting and Registry settings are
among the topics discussed.
A physician uses tools such as X-rays and lab
tests to develop a diagnosis. A network tech is
no different, with an array of diagnostic tools
available. But one must know how each tool works.
For an in-depth review of these network diagnostic
tools, turn to Chapter 5. Here you'll find IPConfig,
Network Monitor, ARP and even all the command-line
switches for PING. If you take the time now to
learn how these tools function, you won't be stumbling
later when the clock is ticking and the boss is
waiting.
The volume's next seven chapters cover different
aspects of TCP/IP and connectivity - for instance,
NetBIOS, remote access, DNS and various services.
Troubleshooting steps are presented, but not always
in the manner you expect. For example, Chapter
12 discusses the issue of hosting multiple Web
sites on IIS, with a focus on Host Header Names.
The point is made that older browsers will have
problems with this and a referral is made to the
IIS documentation. But this information is available
to anyone working with IIS, so why waste space
rehashing the solution? Then the book covers the
obvious in this situation - upgrade the browser.
Still, the one thing you can expect in this volume
is that the answers presented will be accurate
and on-topic.
One of the best things about this book is that
it never quits teaching. The authors realize that
fixing the symptoms of a TCP/IP problem isn't
a cure and instead focus on how to avoid a problem.
Chapters are grouped logically so that you can
"one-stop shop" rather than flip back and forth
through several chapters. The FAQs at the end
of each chapter are another nice feature. These
are specific and representative of the questions
every tech will be asking when they have a problem.
Who should buy this book? Anyone who is responsible
for the connectivity side of a network. Novices
will gain basic TCP/IP knowledge coupled with
troubleshooting skills, while experienced network
specialists will find this volume a great resource
for those tough-to-resolve issues. In addition,
this book can serve as an excellent reference
when preparing for the TCP/IP portions of Microsoft
certification and other exams.
About the Author
Paul G. Brown, MCSD, a developer, speaker, and a frequent contributor to MCPmag.com, lives in New Berlin, Illinois. When not in front of the computer, he can be found chasing Jerry, Wesley, Jordan and Dillon for Mom.