The right network (LAN)
A LAN (Local Area Network) is two or more computers connected together
so they can exchange documents & data with each other, print to the same
printers, and generally share any hardware or software that is
on the network.
Why would you want to network your PCs together?
- Share Internet access, printers, and hard drives.
- Play PC games on your local area network.
- Copy important files to another computer to
avoid data loss..
Networking terminology
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Topology – a set of rules that govern how a
computer network is set up. Cabling, for example, has to be a certain length, each cabling strand can only support a certain amount of network traffic, etc.
Ethernet is the most popular topology in use today.
Node – a device connected to a
network; generally a computer, but could be something like a
printer or router as well.
NIC ( Network Adapter Card) – A specially designed board
in a node connecting the node to the network.
Patch Cable – a line that contains 4
twisted pairs of wires that connect the node to the network
using RJ-45 Connectors on each end.
RJ-45 Connector – the little fastener
(looks like a phone cable end - only wider) attached to the ends
of the patch cable that plugs into the NIC on the computer and
runs to the switch.
Protocol – language that computers use to
talk to each other. Humans use English or French; computers use
TCP/IP or NetBEUI.
Client – computer using
resources like files, folders, CD-ROM drives or printer, that
reside on other nodes on the network.
Server – computer sharing
resources like files, folders, CD-ROM drives or printer, with other nodes on the network.
Peer – computer that takes on client
and server role with other nodes on the network. In a peer-to-peer
network, a node acts as a client and a server.
Switch – device connecting nodes; think
of it as a train station where the data gets routed to the right
place.
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All networks that I set up, regardless of their design or
complexity, use Ethernet. Ethernet is inexpensive, easy to use, and very, very fast. Speed is expressed in
Mbps ( megabits per second), where one "bit" is equal to 1/8th of a character, letter, or number. There are currently two Ethernet speed
categories:
- Standard Ethernet operates at a fast 10Mbps,
most wireless networks operate at 11 Mbps, which is quick enough for most networking tasks.
- Fast Ethernet races along at 100Mbps, making it ideal for
video, multimedia, and gaming.
An Ethernet network typically features four
basic elements:
- nodes (computers, printers, etc.).
- communication medium (cables or as with
wireless use a special radio frequency signal).
- protocol (language for the devices to communicate with each
other e.g., TCP/IP).
- switch (routes data on the
communication medium to the right place).
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A cabled network offers great speed at a great
price. Computers communicate using a NIC (about $20) that is added
to the computer. Many newer computers have them built into the
motherboard. All you have to do is install the card, install
software drivers (allow communication between the NIC and the
operating system), install and configure the network protocol,
connect the cable from the NIC to the switch, and you are up and
running!
A cabled network is nice, but there are a few drawbacks. Obviously, each computer
must be joined to the network using a cable, which can be difficult, especially if you live in a multistory house and want all the rooms to have a networked computer. In addition, if you want to move a computer to a new location, you must run a cable to the spot.
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A wireless network offers great flexibility because
there are no physical connections required for most nodes. Computers communicate using
special NICs and a WAP (wireless access point), which is similar to a
hub except it uses radio waves instead of cable as communication medium.
The WAP should be centrally located in the house, while the computers can be virtually anyplace.
I installed a wireless network in my home. Now I can surf the web
on my laptop while sitting in the sun on our deck.
The wireless NICs are more expensive than NICs used in cabled
computers. You can find traditional
NIC for $20 or less and a hub for $50 or less. A wireless
NIC cost around $85 and a WAP goes for at least $100. Even if you factor in the extra cost of cabling, wireless networks still cost more.
Wireless networks also are not as secure as wired networks. Wireless access points can broadcast their signal up to
300 feet, and the signal goes straight through walls. However, before you write off wireless networks as being
unsecure, remember that there are ways to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
The simplest, least
expensive network
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If you have only two computers, all you need is
a NIC installed in each computer (newer computers have these
built-in) and a crossover cable. A crossover cable is a special cable that has the wires in the cable set up a different
way than a typical patch cable. The software is built into the
Windows operating system, so you don't have to buy anything else.
Simply install the NICs. Plug the end of the
crossover cable in each NIC. Install the software drivers for the
NICs. Install and configure the protocol(s) and networking
components required. You are ready to roll. Contact
me - I'll walk you through it in about 10 minutes!
Peer-to-peer networking
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Peer-to-peer networking is easy to configure, inexpensive, and designed for home or small business use. In this type of a network, each computer shares information stored on it with the other computers, or peers, on the network. You can also share peripheral devices, such as printers and scanners.
The downside to peer-to-peer networking is that it’s relatively insecure. Everyone on the network can access the files you’ve designated to be shared on an individual machine. Although this typically isn’t a large concern for home
or small business networks, it can be a problem if you store information such as
payroll records on a shared drive. However, it’s relatively easy to prevent others from seeing your sensitive information. Just remember that you must be careful about what you store on a shared drive.
If you want help deciding what type of network is right for you,
or if you need help installing a network, contact
me.
Server-based networking
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In the past, virtually all computer networks were built around a centralized computer called a server. This computer held all the network’s shared information; other network nodes connected to the server to use the data. The server-based networking model is still the popular choice in the business world because it’s easy to manage and provides a great deal of security for information stored on the server.
However, server-based networking is expensive. One computer must be configured as
a dedicated server. In addition, a network administrator typically needs specialized skills to manage a server, which often runs on an operating system specially designed for the
purpose (quite pricey about $800). For small business or home use, this type of network design is definitely not necessary.
If you want to get some of the benefits of a server-based network, you can put a large hard disk in one of your networked computers and let that system hold most shared files. In this manner, you reap the benefit of having information located in one place without the expense and technical challenge of maintaining a server.
