What
is a network?
A computer network is any set of
computers or devices connected together with the ability to
exchange data, either over CAT5 wiring or wirelessly. Networking is the
backbone of all computing tasks worldwide and without it, the
internet would not exist at all.
All communications worldwide
travel over a network on some level to get from point A to point
B. To learn more about the basics of networking, review the
topics on this site for a better understanding of how a network
works. |
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Local Area Network (LAN)
 A local area network is a network that spans a relatively small
space and provides services to a small number of people. Depending
on the number of people that use a Local Area Network, a
peer-to-peer or client-server method of networking may be used. A
peer-to-peer network is where each client shares their resources
with other workstations in the network. Examples of peer-to-peer
networks are: Small office networks where resource use is minimal
and a home network. A client-server network is where every client is
connected to the server and each other. Client-server networks use
servers in different capacities. These can be classified into two
types: Single-service servers, where the server performs one task
such as file server, print server, etc.; while other servers can not
only perform in the capacity of file servers and print servers, but
they also conduct calculations and use these to provide information
to clients (Web/Intranet Server). Computers are linked via Ethernet
Cable, can be joined either directly (one computer to another), or
via a network hub that allows multiple connections.
Wide
Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network is a network where
a wide variety of resources are deployed across a large domestic
area or internationally. An example of this is a multinational
business that uses a WAN to interconnect their offices in different
countries. The largest and best example of a WAN is the Internet,
which is a network comprised of many smaller networks. The Internet
is considered the largest network in the world. The PSTN (Public
Switched Telephone Network) also is an extremely large network that
is converging to use Internet technologies, although not necessarily
through the public Internet.
Wireless LAN and WAN
A wireless network is
basically the same as a LAN or a WAN but there are
no wires between hosts and servers. The data is
transferred over sets of radio transceivers. These
types of networks are beneficial when it is too
costly or inconvenient to run the necessary cables.
The most common 802.11x WLANs cover, depending on
antennas, ranges from hundreds of feet to miles. For
larger areas, either communications satellites of
various types, cellular radio, or wireless local
loop.
Wired Networks
Most businesses use wired networks. The standard wire used for networks is
called Category 5 cabling (CAT5), which can carry data at rates of up to
100Mbps (megabytes per second) and for distances of up 100 meters (328 feet). A
network that uses this type of cable is referred to as an Ethernet Network.
Ethernet networks require that cable of this type be connected to every computer
on the network. So the expense involved in Ethernet networking is varied,
depending on your needs. This can be easy if you only have a few
computers. On the other hand, it can be messy and complicated if you have
a great many computers, or if it would be difficult to install the cables in
your space. While many smaller businesses and even some homes use Ethernet
networking, some people would rather use one of the other methods.
Wireless Networks
This type of
networking has grown rapidly since its introduction. Instead of
data being carried using a wire, the data is broadcast through the air, like a
radio transmission or wireless telephone signal. Obviously, no wires need
be installed where this type of network was placed, which
appeals to many people. Wireless networks are usually also very reliable,
depending on your situation. Right now, wireless networks can transmit data at a maximum of
11-54Mbps (megabytes per second). The signal, because it travels through the air, is
subject to types of interference that wired networks are not. And, even
though great strides have been made in wireless security, the signal is being
sent through the air and can be intercepted, just as wireless phone
transmissions can be. (More on wireless networking).
Which Network is right for your business?
Talk to your network administrator to see whether a hard wired or wireless
network it best for you. There are many parameters that need to be
assessed based on the specific office environment and business
objectives.
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