1.6: Windows Networking Features

Shared Resources

Makes a folder or printer available on the network; can assign/map a drive letter to a share and reconnect automatically; shares ending with $ are hidden but not secure; view all shares via Computer Management.

Mapping Drives

Access a shared resource by assigning it a local drive letter and share name; may require authentication; command-line example: net use h: "\Server\Share".

Sharing Printers

Allows network access to a printer through Printer Properties; can be done via File Explorer, Settings, or printer settings; printers can be added from File Explorer or Settings.

Proxy Settings

Change network traffic flow by configuring proxy address and exceptions; available in Settings > Network and Internet or Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings; proxies may not work for all applications.

Network Locations

Defines network profile as private (sharing and device connectivity) or public (no sharing, more secure); profile can be changed anytime.

Network Paths

Paths to network resources in the format \server\share; can map network drives to a letter; disconnect by right-clicking the drive in File Explorer.

Metered Connections

Limits data usage for slow networks, limited bandwidth, or usage-based billing; can reduce Windows Updates and OneDrive sync activity.

Windows Defender Firewall

Built-in firewall that should remain enabled; can be temporarily disabled with admin permissions; supports different settings for public and private networks.

Windows Firewall Configuration

Allows blocking all incoming connections, modifying notifications for blocked apps, and customizing firewall rules.

Firewall Exception

A rule to allow an app, feature, or port through the firewall; can choose from predefined exceptions or create a custom rule.

DHCP

Automatic IP addressing method provided by a DHCP server.

APIPA

Automatic Private IP Addressing assigned when DHCP or static configuration is unavailable; range 169.254.1.0 to 169.254.254.255; no internet access.

Static Address

Manually assigned IP configuration including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.

IP Address

Unique numerical identifier assigned to a device on a network.

Subnet Mask

Defines the network and host portions of an IP address.

Default Gateway

Provides a route off the local subnet to external networks.

DNS

Converts domain names into IP addresses.

Loopback Address

IP 127.0.0.1; used to test local TCP/IP stack.

DHCP Backup

Using multiple DHCP servers for redundancy; if unavailable, Windows uses APIPA by default or can use a configured static IP.

Network Setup

Wizard in Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center for creating new connections such as direct, VPN, or dial-up.

VPN Connections

Built-in Windows VPN client to connect to workplaces; supports MFA with smart cards; connect via network status icon and credentials.

Wireless Connections

Requires SSID, security type, encryption type, and security key; supports WPA2-Personal (pre-shared key) and WPA2-Enterprise (802.1X authentication).

Wired Connections

Physical Ethernet connection offering fastest default speed; supports alternate configurations if DHCP is unavailable.

WWAN Connections

Wireless Wide Area Network using mobile technology; requires specialized hardware like adapters and antennas; supports tethering and hotspot use; may require third-party software.