Network Configuration

Using the Configuration Manager

To use KwikNet, you must first describe each physical network and its device interface. These parameters are kept in a text file which you create and edit using the KwikNet Configuration Manager, a Windows^® utility which ensures that KwikNet is always properly configured for your use.

	Network Setup
	IP Address Definition
	Device Driver Selection

The following illustration shows the Configuration Manager's edit window as it appears while configuring a network named ENET.

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Network Setup

As the preceding illustration shows, adding a network is as simple as clicking the "Add" button. Choose "Edit: Network" and pick a network driver type: Ethernet, SLIP or PPP. The Manager will then present a list of options for the selected type of network and allow you to adjust the network specific parameters to meet your particular requirements.

From your network description, the KwikNet Configuration Manager will create a network definition which will be incorporated into your KwikNet Library. From this description, KwikNet will properly prepare and initialize your network interface and its associated device driver. Of course, your application can dynamically add your network interface at runtime if you prefer.

IP Address Definition

Every network must have an associated IP address. To define yours, choose "Edit: IP address" and fill in the parameters as illustrated.

Alternatively, your application can dynamically configure the net's IP address using either the Boot Protocol (BOOTP) or the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

It is also possible at runtime for your application to simply override the IP address provided in your network definition with an alternate IP address.

Device Driver Selection

Every physical network must have an associated device driver. The device driver is "connected" to your network driver by selecting the driver from the pull down list provided by the KwikNet Configuration Manager. See the Device Drivers section of this document for a list of the available KwikNet device drivers.

To add your own custom driver, you simply enter the name of the driver's preparation function in place of the name of the default KwikNet device driver.

In either case, the KwikNet Manager allows you to enter a device dependent set of parameters to adapt the driver for use in your particular hardware configuration.