Windows 7 / Networking

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Network Map

The Network Map makes it simpler to visually examine how a computer is connected to one or more networks and to other computers on your intranet. Although the tool is primarily intended to simplify networking for users, it is also a useful tool for administrators. A user can click the name of her computer to view her computer's properties, click a local network to view network resources with Network Explorer, or click the Internet icon to browse the Web.

For Windows to create a full Network Map, the Link Layer Topology Discovery Mapper service must be running and network mapping must be enabled. This service is set to start manually by default; the Network Map will start the service automatically when required. You should avoid disabling the Link Layer Topology Discovery Mapper service unless you also want to disable network mapping. Network maps might not always be accurate; Windows might not display devices that do not support LLTD.

Network mapping is disabled by default when a computer is connected to a domain. To enable Network Map, enable the Turn On Mapper I/O (LLTDIO) Driver Group Policy setting (described in the previous section) and select the Allow Operation While In Domain check box. To enable Windows client computers to appear on other computers' maps, enable the Turn On Responder (RSPNDR) Driver setting.