This section provides an overview of the installation and configuration of NetBEUI as a secondary protocol for a peer-to-peer LAN. It is optimized for small LANs and is easy to configure.
I'll also review the concept of binding, where a component in an upper layer, NetBEUI, is associated with a component in a lower layer, the LAN Adapter.
NetBEUI Installation
Windows 98 makes several default choices for a NIC whether the adapter is automatically or manually installed. Typically, IPX/SPX and NetBEUI protocols are both installed and bound to the adapter. Open the Network configuration window and look for installed protocols.
The Configuration tab of the Network dialog box showing default protocols.
IE float bugNetBEUI should be added if it does not appear in the configuration list. To add a protocol click Add...,
The Network Component selection dialog box.
IE float bugselect Protocol then click Add to open the Select Network Protocol dialog. NetBEUI is listed under Microsoft Network Protocols.
NetBEUI Configuration
Double click the NetBEUI entry in the configuration list to display the NetBEUI Properties and select the advanced tab. The default values for Maximum Sessions and network control blocks (NCBS) are set dynamically for protected-mode operation and do not need to be changed. Verify that the checkbox is checked to specify NetBEUI as the default protocol. The default protocol overrides other protocols when your computer attempts to establish a session with a remote computer. To optimize performance, you should make the protocol you use most often your default protocol.
The Advanced tab of the NetBEUI Properties dialog box with default protocol option selected.
NetBEUI Bindings
NetBEUI will be bound by default to the the LAN adapter if no other adapters are installed. NetBEUI may be bound to other adapters if they are installed as illustrated in the binding tree below.
Binding Tree showing default bindings to other adapters.
IE float bugA protocol cannot operate over an adapter it is not bound to. Since NetBEUI will not operate over Dial-Up and Cable/DSL adapters should not be bound to them. Select Properties for each adapter and uncheck the NetBEUI binding if necessary. The proper binding for the LAN adapter is illustrated in the screen capture below.
The Bindings tab of the Ethernet Adapter Properties dialog box showing NetBEUI bound to the network adapter.
IE float bugThis relationship is illustrated in the binding tree below.
Binding tree showing desired binding.