What is a Network?
A network is simply the most cost-effective way to share a collection
of communication equipment such as servers, computers, printers, and
modems, that has been connected together by cables. A network helps
people work collectively, not just individually. Networking is all
about sharing data, software, and peripherals such as printers, modems,
fax machines, Internet connections, CD-ROM and tape drives, hard disks
and other data storage equipment. A small network may be as simple
as just two computers linked together by cable. A large network can
link hundreds or thousands of computers and peripherals together in
various configurations. A variety of equipment may be used in a network.
Depending on how many computers and other equipment you need to connect,
your choice of networking devices will vary. Maintaining standards
will ensure the best performance possible.
Why
Do I Need A Network?
A network will actually save you time and money! In today's
business, the need for information is expanding so quickly that
networking is no longer a luxury; it's an affordable necessity.
To be successful, businesses must share information and communicate
not only within their company, but to the outside world. Networking
makes this happen in the simplest and most economic way. Additionally,
a network can eliminate the need to buy extra printers, modems,
file storage, etc.: all of these items can be shared on a network.
Even an outside line for Internet access can be shared over a network.
It's obvious why a network is important-even essential-for growing
businesses.
Terminology
Server
A server can be as simple as a dedicated computer providing
file storage, or as complex as a high capacity computer containing
several hard disk drives, and a tape backup and CD-ROM drive. It
can be used to help share resources such as printers, fax machines,
modems, and connections to the Internet. It is often used to store
database information, multiple software programs for access by "client"
computers, work files on its large hard drive, and archive files.
Computers connected to a server are called "clients."
Network
layout (also called "topology") refers to the way a network
is physically designed. There are three basic network layouts. The
two most common for a local area network are the "Star"
and "Bus."
(LAN)
Local Area Network
A network in a localized location that allows users to share
information, equipment, and resources.
Star
topology
A networking setup used with 10BASE-T cabling and a hub. Each
item on the network is connected to the hub like points of a star.
Bus
topology
A networking setup in which a single cable, such as network
coaxial cable, referred to as coax (or thin Ethernet), is used to
connect one computer to another in a chain to carry data over a
network.
Star
Topology
Installation is simple, inexpensive, and fast because of the
flexible cable and the modular connector. The number of nodes you
can connect to a hub is determined by the hub. There is a limit
to the number of nodes you can add on a network (a maximum of 1024
nodes.). The star layout becomes a workgroup and can operate independently
or can be connected to other workgroups.
Benefits
of a Star Network
- Inexpensive
cabling.
- Fast
installation.
- Workgroups
communicate easily.
- Expansion
is as simple as adding a new workgroup.
- Expansion
using a switch or bridge actually improves performance across
the network.Ability to handle failed connections quickly without
disrupting the entire network.
- 10BASE-T
cabling provides status information to the status lights on your
hub, simplifying troubleshooting.
Drawbacks
You are limited to a maximum of 100 meters (328 feet) between
the node and the hub.
Server-Based
and Peer-to-Peer Networks
Server-Based
Networks
A server-based network maintains the "server" as
the manager of the network, with all nodes connected to the server,
whether connected to a hub in a star or bus layout. In this way,
the server can house and administer software, file sharing, file
saving, allocation of printers, fax machines, modems, and other
communication connections. A server-based network can also be set
up using the bus layout. The server acts as an arbitrator; each
node talks to the server when requesting information, then the server
locates the information either internally or on the connected clients
and sends the information to the requesting client.
Peer-to-Peer
Networks
This network design uses only the computers that are connected,
and does not rely on a server. Each computer has its own hard drive
and, between each of the computers, you may have a CD-ROM drive,
a tape back-up system, an auxiliary hard disk, a data/fax modem,
and one or more printers. Each node has the ability to talk directly
to any node on the network that has the information or service it
needs. With this network type, you can optimize your usage of the
various resources by sharing them within your network. The star
layout works well with this type of network because all nodes are
connected directly to the hub, making connections easy. A bus layout
may also be used with this kind of network.
Click
Here For A List of Network Terminology
|
Home
Top