I’ve recently acquired a couple of Vista PCs with the object of working my way around the networking features and sharing those experiences in my Networks Hands On column.

Last time, I started the ball rolling with file-sharing. This time it’s a more eclectic collection of hints and tips, with a look at the new Vista network map feature.

Mapping the Lan
Network maps are to be found in the Network and Sharing Center which, if you’re new to Vista, is one of the tools you’ll quickly become familiar with, mainly because it provides a one-stop shop from which you can access most of the other common networking utilities included as part of the new operating system.

The Network and Sharing Center can be found in the Control Panel, although that’s far from the quickest or easiest way of running it. Indeed, it’s better to click the network status icon in the system tray and select it from the pop-up menu displayed, or right-click the Network entry in the Start menu and choose Properties. Alternatively, if you need to run this tool on a regular basis, drag its icon from the Control Panel and create a shortcut on the desktop.

Whichever way you start it, open the Network and Sharing Center. At the top you’ll see a graphical map illustrating just where your PC sits on the network and how it connects to the internet. It’s not particularly informative, especially if you’ve only got the one PC. However, click the View full map link alongside and, on a larger network, Vista will attempt to identify as many devices as it can and draw a map showing how these all connect together, which can be very useful when it comes to troubleshooting or locating resources. Double-click the icon of a PC or server on the map, for example, and you’ll be given access to its file and printer shares.

In order to build this map Microsoft has introduced a new protocol called Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD), support for which is built into Vista and will also be in Windows Server 2008 when it ships. However, although devices that don’t have LTTD can still be found and identified they won’t be mapped, just listed underneath the map as connected to the network, where you’ll see that a Buffalo Linkstation appliance has been discovered but can’t be placed in the topology. The same also applies to PCs running older versions of Windows, such as the XP Pro PC also listed, although an LLTD Responder is available for Windows XP, which will allow such systems to be included in the Vista maps.

The LLTD Responder for XP is available for download from the Microsoft website ­ look for Knowledge base article KB922120. It’s very easy to install and can be used on either Windows XP Professional or Home Edition to enable the host PC to be included in the Vista maps.

Unfortunately, there’s no responder for earlier versions of Windows, or for non-Windows platforms and devices, such as the Linkstation Nas appliance shown in the screenshots. However, Microsoft has made its source code available along with a reference Linux implementation, with the aim of encouraging third-party developers to provide LLTD support.

Non-broadcasting wireless
As can be seen from the screenshots, wireless networks can also be included in the Vista maps, with wireless management tools available via the Network and Sharing Center. There are also a number of behind-the-scenes wireless networking enhancements, one of which is improved support for non-broadcasting access points and routers, although problems can still arise if you want to connect to this type of network.

On a non-broadcasting wireless network, the access point or router is configured so it doesn’t broadcast the wireless SSID ­ in effect, the network name or identifier. This is done to hide the wireless network from unauthorised users, although it’s not foolproof and can cause problems for those wanting to connect legitimately ­ especially in Windows XP, where you’re not allowed to choose a non-broadcasting wireless network as a preferred connection. Rather, the XP auto configuration service will attempt to connect to broadcasting access points before trying hidden networks.