Direct Connection Overview

With Network Connections, you can create a physical connection to another computer by using a serial cable, a DirectParallel cable, a modem, an ISDN device, or other method. For example, you may have a Windows CE Handheld PC that you want to connect to your network. Or, you may have two or more networks in the same location that are not physically connected. If you want to use resources on both networks from one computer, you can use a serial cable connection with an RS-232C null modem cable. You connect an RS-232C cable from a COM port on the computer to a COM port on your remote access server, which is used to create network access. You can also use an RS-232C null modem as a substitute for a network adapter if your computer is located physically near (less than 50 feet of cable) a remote access server.

The DirectParallel driver supports computer-to-computer connections by using standard and enhanced (ECP) parallel ports, which use Parallel Technologies' Basic or Fast parallel cables. For more information about using a DirectParallel cable for a direct connection, see DirectParallel access.

Remote access authentication methods control access to your network, not resources on the network. Having a Windows CE device directly attached to a computer on your network is analogous to having a computer attached to your network, but not logged on. In that instance, you attached and accessed the network without using authentication of any kind.

Once you are present on a network, resource control is managed in various ways: Local Users and Groups, Active Directory, Group Policy, file and printer sharing, and so on.

Therefore, if you have set up a direct network connection using, for example, a Windows CE device, you need to ensure that resource control is in place that enforces access to privileged folders, printers, and so on.

Authentication methods are designed for remote computing, where the computer dialing in does not have access to the network until credentials such as user name and password are exchanged.

For information about creating a direct network connection, see To make a direct network connection.

Note

• You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.