Dialing up the Windows 9x, Windows NT Network

**Dialing up the Windows 9x**
Networking in Windows 9x and Windows NT Workstation is relatively easy. Each of these Windows versions supports TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBEUI and access a network in two ways: direct connection through a NIC (Network Interface Card) installed in the PC and over a modem using what is called *dial-up networking*. Dial-up networking uses PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) to send data packets over telephone lines. PPP picks up a packet that has been created by one of the other network protocols and which will be received by a remote PC running the same protocol. PPP is merely the intermediary that carrries the data packet over the telephone line. If the packet begins the journey as a TCP/IP packet, it arrives at its destination as a TCP/IP packet.

**Dialing up the Windows NT network**
Windows NT has built-in services for dial-up access ---- Remote Access Service (RAS). RAS supports a server with one or more modems and increases server security with features such as call-back security. Call-back security works like this: A remote user dials in to the NT server from a home of office PC. The RAS server verifies the user's password and login name. The RAS server hangs up on the verified caller. The RAS server calls the remote user back, using a phone number that has been assigned to or designated by the user. The remote end reconnects, and the user is granted access to the network.