
What is a network?

A network is a series of computers with network interface boards linked together
by special cables.  WarCraft can be played over any network that has IPX 
support.  IPX (Inter-Packet Exchange) is a widely used standard for data 
communication on many network cabling systems.

The most common form of network cabling today is called Ethernet.  Ethernet is a
cabling and signaling specification originally developed by Xerox in the late 
70's.  Over the years many new specifications have been created for faster 
network access and throughput.  The cost and popularity of these systems have 
finally reached the point of home use.



What type of Ethernet Network do I need?

That depends on how many computers you plan to connect together.  Warcraft II 
can connect up to 8 users per game. 

Choosing the type of cabling system and network cards can be very important.  
The two basic cabling types widely available today are Thin Ethernet and 10 
BaseT Ethernet.  For 2-8 users you can use a simple Thin Ethernet cabling 
system.  For 8 - 16 users we suggest using a simple 10 BaseT cabling system.  As
you move beyond 16 users you will need a more complicate 10 BaseT system that 
allows fast data transfer and low latency between users. 

Here is some basic information about the 2 most common Ethernet cabling systems.


Thin Ethernet
Equipment:
1. Thin Ethernet cable. The technical name is RG-58 and the technical name for 
the connectors are BNC. The cable is often referred to as 50 ohm Coaxial cable 
(coax).  It looks like the cable connected to your TV set.
2.  T-adapters (1 per computer)
3.  Terminators (2, one for each end of the cable)

Pros: This is the most inexpensive Ethernet system to setup.  It does not 
require you to purchase a network hub.  The cable is inexpensive and it's easy 
to install for small groups.

Cons: This system slower and can not handle as many users as 10 BaseT.  It can 
be difficult to trouble shoot.  In this system 1 cable is used to daisy chain 
all the computers together.  Any break in the cable can disrupt the entire 
network.  Each end of the cable must have a terminator to absorb the signals 
when they reach the end.  Improper termination can cause your network to slow 
down or stop working. 


10 or 100 BaseT Ethernet

Equipment: 
1.  10 BaseT Ethernet cables.  The technical names for the cable are CAT3 or 
CAT5 and the technical name for the connectors is RJ-45.  The cable and 
connector looks like a larger version of your telephone cable.  Cat3 is rated 
with use up to 10 Megabits/Second and Cat5 is rated up to 100 Megabits/Second. 

2.  10 or 100 baseT Hubs.  These networks require you to purchase a HUB to 
connect your computers together.  A network HUB is small box with several RJ-45 
jacks used to connect several computers together. This allows a computer to send
messages to another computer connected to the same HUB. 

Pros: This is a fast Ethernet cabling system.  It is an easy system to expand 
and to trouble shoot. 

Cons: This is a more expensive system than Thin Ethernet.

                                

                How do I set up an Ethernet Network? 

It is easy to set up your own small network. We strongly suggest that you 
purchase a network starter kit. This will provide you with all (or most) of the 
items you need to connect 2 or more computers. At a minimum you will need the 
following equipment. 

1. Two or more computers.
2. A cabling system to connect your computers. 
3. A network interface Board for each computer.
4. DOS IPX network drivers for your network board. 

The instructions that come with your network starter kit will guide you through 
the installation process. 

                How does WarCraft use my Network?

WarCraft communicates over your network with the IPX protocol. WarCraft will 
work across your LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). WarCraft 
does not require you to be connected to a server, only that an IPX  driver is 
loaded. Typically you will only need 3 drivers to run WarCraft. 

1.  Link Driver. This is also known as the LAN driver. It's specific to the 
network board installed in your computer. The file name of this driver is 
usually the name or part number of your network board.
2.  Link Support Layer. This drivers serves as an intermediary between your Link
Driver and your IPX driver. The filename of this driver is usually called 
LSL.COM
3.  IPX driver. This is the Inter-Packet Exchange driver that WarCraft uses for 
communication. The filename of this driver is usually called IPX.COM or 
IPXODI.COM. 

For more information on how to connect please see the MULTIPLATER GAMES section 
of your WarCraft Reference Manual. 


FOR DOS
You will need atleast two network cards connected via 10baseT or Coaxial (or 
some other form of connection).  They must be able to pass IPX between each 
other.  Most DOS networks can be accessed by running  the following files in the
specified order (To insure best results make sure they have a NET.CFG in the 
directory wh ere they run LSL  look below):

LSL
<link Driver>(This will be different for different brands of network cards)
IPXODI

        For Example: On an HP network card it would look like this:
        LSL
        HPISAODI
        IPXODI

For Example: On an NE2000 compatible network card it would look like this:
        LSL
        NE2000
        IPXODI

This is a typical NET.CFG file.  This one is for an INFO EXPRESS 10BaseT network
card.

Link Support
        Max Stacks 8
        Buffers 8 1500
        MemPool 4096
        link driver exp16odi        (THIS LINE SPECIFIES THE LINK DRIVER)
        Frame Ethernet_802.3
        Frame Ethernet_II
        Frame Ethernet_SNAP
        Protocol IPX 0 Ethernet_802.3


FOR WINDOWS95
        Go to Start Menu
        Go to Settings
        Go to Control Panel
        Double Click Network Icon
        The user must have:
        IPX/SPX Network Protocol  (LOADED)
        and Client for Netware Network

        Netware Network must also be the Primary Logon Method.

        If this does not work add Client for Microsoft Networks and Enable 
NetBIOS support under IPX/SPX. To do this:

        Go to control panel
        Click on Network Icon
        Get properties of IPX/SPX Network Protocol.
        One of the tabs should be NetBIOS.  
        Put a check in the "Enable Netbios Over IPX/SPX"


        This fix has worked in some cases.  And it has been given to us by 
Microsoft Technical Support
        IF SOMETHING DOES NOT WORK UNDER WINDOWS TRY UNDER DOS







