Basic network settings need to be configured before a PC is able to communicate with any other network device. Adopting these setting is done by opening the Windows Control Panel. In the Windows Control Panel follow Network and Internet -> View Network Status and Tasks –> Change Adapter Settings.
Network Adapters are displayed as depicted in the following screenshot. Each icon represents a network adapter and displays the connection status: a red cross is shown if no network cable is plugged in. It is removed as soon as a cable connected to another network device is plugged in.
All network adapters not connected
Determining the assignment of the network adapter
Following it is illustrated, how network connections and corresponding LAN sockets can be identified by plugging in or removing the network cable.
1. No network cable plugged in
All network adapters are shown with a red cross:
2. Using the first network adapter
The network cable is plugged into LAN1. Hence one of the connections is shown without the red cross:
3. Using the second network adapter
The network cable is plugged into LAN2. Hence one of the connections is shown without the red cross::
