Last file update : 10-04-02

Now that we have installed all the required components it's time for the configuration, but before we start with configuring the network I'll explain some things you should know before you continue.

TCP/IP Basics

The already installed protocol : TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is the protocol that Falcon 4 uses to communicate with other computers. I won't bother you with the full IP protocol, OSI model Layers and subnet mask calculating, but when you've installed the right TCP/IP addresses and subnet mask you'll be able to communicate with other computers in a network.

How does it work : an IP address is build up in 4 parts : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx is a decimal value between 0 and 255 (For example 10.10.10.213). The subnet mask the same 4 parts and gives the value of how many IP addresses will be in a network. 

It's pretty complicated, but remember it this way : 

Use subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and you'll be able to configure 254 IP addresses in your LAN. Configured in zzz.zzz.zzz.xxx where zzz.zzz.zzz is the same for each computer and xxx will be between 0 and 255 (NEVER USE 0 and 255, the value is BETWEEN!!!).
Always choose your zzz.zzz.zzz. address according the RFC 1918 (Request For Comment, a list where 'everybody' can make comments to the TCP/IP protocol. Click here to read more about RFC's : http://www.ietf.org) as shown below :

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

After deciding what your network address will be (always announced as the zzz.zzz.zzz.0 address) start planning your xxx address for all the computers.
Example :

4 Falcon flyers build a LAN :

They decide to use network : 172.25.124.0 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Player A uses IP address : 172.25.124.1 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Player B uses IP address : 172.25.124.2 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Player C uses IP address : 172.25.124.3 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Player D uses IP address : 172.25.124.4 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Still reading and made you're decision ?!?! Congratulations, well continue with step 17 : 
(The screenshot's will tell my own network 10.10.10.0 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0)

Remember that I'm describing to setup network to use with Falcon 4. Falcon 4 requires STATIC IP addresses so if your computer is connected to a LAN that requires other settings for TCP/IP only change the settings that won't disturb your other network functions. If you're not sure see your system administrator. 

  1. Select the TCP/IP protocol connected to your NIC and click "Properties" :
    Select the TCP/IP protocol connected to your NIC and click "Properties"

  2. The TCP/IP configuration screen will open

  3. Now select the tab "IP-address" : 
  4. Select the tab "Wins-configuration" and disable WINS :

    Select the tab "Wins-configuration" and disable WINS

  5. Select the tab "Gateway" and make sure the table of gateways is empty. (Or only has the IP address of the host of your Falcon 4 mission) :
    Select the tab "Gateway" and make sure the table of gateways is empty

  6. Select the tab "DNS-Configuration" and disable DNS :
    Select the tab "DNS-Configuration" and disable DNS

  7. Select the tab "Bindings" and make sure "Client for Microsoft Networks" is checked :
    Select the tab "Bindings" and make sure "Client for Microsoft Networks" is checked :

  8. All TCP/IP settings for Falcon 4 are done know. Click OK to continue. You'll return to the Network settings :
    Network settings

  9.  Now select the tab "Identification" and fill in the next settings :
  10. Now we've really completed all the settings that are necessary for Falcon 4 ! So click "OK"

  11. Windows will now start to copy some files from your Windows installation location (ask for the Windows install CD) and finally come with the window that you'll have to restart Windows to finalize your settings. Click "YES" to restart Windows. Windows need to be restarted ! 

  12. After startup a new Message box can appear to ask you for a name and password. If you don't want to use a password keep the field empty.
    Click OK and you're there !

  13. Now I'll describe how you can check your TCP/IP connection so click next to continue with step 30.

 

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