Understanding Network Types

There are two types of networks from which you can choose for your home network: client/server or workgroup. The type you choose depends on your networking goals, the equipment you want to install, your experience level, and the time you plan to invest. Each method of networking provides distinct advantages and disadvantages. If this is your first network or if you want only a small and simple network, you will most likely set up a workgroup network to start.

A workgroup network is simpler to operate and less expensive than a client/server network. After you gain experience, however, you may want to switch over to a client/server network, using your workgroup setup as a foundation.

Workgroup networking is the most simple and inexpensive network to set up. Network administration is easy, as well, with workgroup networking. Client/server networking, the alternative to workgroup networking, creates more work, more expense, and more administration time. Using a workgroup network In a workgroup network, all computers share their resources—including files, folders, drives, printers, and so on—with all others on the network. Each PC still runs its own local applications and programs.

A workgroup network usually contains from two to ten computers cabled together. You could possibly include more than ten computers, with the right hardware and software; however, when you have more than ten computers on a workgroup network, you slow down the performance of every computer on the network, as well as limit network speed, security, and efficiency. You can use devices, such as routers and switches, to connect more than ten computers efficiently; however, remember that the more computers on your network, the more management, time, and money it will involve.

This figure illustrates one example of a workgroup network. Although these computers appear to be beside each other, each one could be located in a different room in a house. The Windows computers, the notebook computer, and the laser printer are all connected; the computers share all resources equally

Understanding Network

Understanding Network Basics
All networks use some basic hardware and software, but different configurations of this equipment define the type and uses of the network. For example, you may want to network two computers in the same room. The equipment you use to achieve this network can be different from the hardware you use to network two computers in different rooms or even in different buildings. Similarly, the hardware you use to enable two computers to use one Internet connection is different than the software you use for two computers sharing a printer.
Understanding network uses and network types helps you plan your network. Because networking your home or office is often involved and time consuming, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of networking before planning your network. Understanding the pros and cons of networking helps you plan the exact network that’s right for you and your family. In addition, before you can plan your network, buy the hardware and software, and teach your family to use your network, you need to understand some basic networking terms and technologies.

Introducing network equipment

A network includes two or more computers. Those computers may be desktop PCs, but they can also be notebooks or laptops, handheld computers, Macintoshes, Linux boxes, or others. The products, configuration, and steps described hear target the Windows 98 and Windows XP operating systems; however, Macintoshes and Linux boxes are also discussed. The network equipment is similar for any type of operating system you use.
Networked computers are attached to each other with cables or wires, and it is across those wires that the shared information passes. There are also some wireless methods of attaching computers, such as with radio frequencies or infrared.

Some cabling methods better suit an office than a home, depending on the number of computers, network type, and office space. You’ll likely want to use more traditional cabling for a small-business office. There are even some alternatives to traditional cabling for your home network.

Summary

In this post, we’ve learned about what it takes to build a network and about how this Blog can help you with many different networking problems. Specifically, you learned about the following:

✦ Building a workgroup network
✦ Building a client/server network

In the next Post and further, we learn the fundamentals of networking, such as the advantages and disadvantages of networking, the definition of a network, and how to get your family ready for a network.

Network Cable And Software

Network cabling

You have no idea what networking cabling is available or what it means. Network speed depends on the type of cabling and hardware you use, but you’re not sure what network speed is or how much you’ll need.You have Ethernet 10/100 network cards already installed in your computers. You need to know what type of cable you can use with these cards, what the difference between 10 and 100 is, and if there’s any other hardware you need to set up your computers.

Networking software

You want to connect to the Internet, so you want to know if you have to use the TCP/IP protocolon your network. This is a common misunderstanding. TCP/IP is the protocol of the Internet, but you can use a separate protocol for your network, even if you’re attaching to the Internet.In planning your network, you realize that everyone in the house uses a PC except for your youngest son. He uses an iMac. Is there any way you can attach his computer to the network, or will you have to purchase him a printer of his own? You can attach Macintoshes to a PC network and enable them to share printers and files by using special networking software.

Using the network

If you have already set up your network—installed cabling and hardware—but you’re having trouble getting computers to see each other or locate resources on the network, you can quickly find the help you need in this section. Consider these scenarios.

Connecting computers

Ever since you set up your network, you have one computer that just won’t see the other computers in the Network Neighborhood. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but you’re ready to throw the computer out the window.

You recently changed the network card on your computer and now you can’t get that computer to attach to the network. Is there anything you can try that you haven’t already? You might need to update or reinstall your adapter driver or reconfigure your protocol configuration.

Using network printers and other resources

Your printer is set up and ready to go; however, no one on the network can see the printer in his or her computer. You know there’s something else you must do, but you’re not sure what it is. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve installed the appropriate network printer driver in each computer. Only

Listing steps to add a server

Client/server networking is a setup in which files, applications, and resources are centralized on one high-speed, powerful computer called a server. Other computers, called clients, then attach to the server and use the resources as they need them. Client/server networks are faster than workgroup networks, and a server supports more clients, or users, than a workgroup network. For example, a client/server network may have from 10 to 2,000 users attached to a server.

If you choose to add a server to your network, you’ll need to do the following, in addition to the preceding set of steps:

1. Determine the type of network operating system you want to use.
2. Purchase a server and configure the server’s operating system by setting up user accounts and permissions, setting up rights on files and folders, setting up a print server, installing and configuring applications, setting up permissions, and so on.
3. Configure the clients to see and use the server, and perhaps create login scripts and other security measures.
4. Check all client/server connections.


If you’re creating your network for a small business, either in your home or in an office, you may want to use client/server networking instead of workgroup. There are certain advantages to the client/server configuration in a business network. In a client/server environment, the network is easy to expand to include more client computers, network operations in a larger group are faster, you can provide more services to everyone on the network, and security is tighter. Finding the Help You Need You may already be familiar with networking types. You may already have a network set up in your home. your network or want to learn about Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TCP/IP.

Planning your network

As you might know, you go through several stages to plan a network. You must decide what type of network you want, which speed to use, what kind of cabling and hardware is best for your situation, and so on. You’ll find all of the information you need to plan your network in PC-Hardware-Networking . Consider the following scenarios.

Budget considerations

You want a home network, but your budget is limited. You have only about $150 to spend on all of the equipment you need to connect two computers. You want to know if you really have to spend more money than this for such a simple task. Now, you can connect two computers for as little as $20. Additionally, you can use any number of kits to connect two computers now, and add computers later when you’re ready.

In contrast, say you’re building a home and you have no limit to the amount of money you spend on your network. In fact, you want to cable the home to perform more than just computer networking: You want to include climate and environment controls, security lights and cameras, and video and stereo equipment on your network.

Server issues

You’ve heard that the kid next door has a server in his basement, so you want a server too. However, you don’t want to use a server like the one at work or in larger offices, which uses the NetWare or NT Server operating system. You want something that’s simple to operate and maintain and easy for everyone to access for storing their files, printing, and so on. What do you do? Consider using a powerful computer with Windows XP as the operating system.

You want to back up all of your data to another computer, but you wonder if it has to be a server computer. Must a tape drive or Zip drive be connected to a server? Do you have to use a server’s software to back up files? You can back up files to any other computer on the network. You can also attach a tape, CD drive, or Zip drive to any computer on the network and save to those drives.

Taking inventory of the Computer and peripherals.

Your first step to planning a network is to take inventory of the equipment and software already in your home. You want to make use of all available resources. Computers, printers, a scanner or camera—any and all of these may be put to use in your network.

Perhaps, for example, you use your computer to keep your checkbook and to surf the Internet. Your son also has a computer he uses for homework and games. Your spouse uses a notebook computer primarily for work and must often bring it home to complete daily work. Any of these computers, with minor alterations, can probably work on a network. After networking the computers, everyone can print to one printer; check on the homework, surf the Internet, and more. You also want to be reasonable in your expectations of these resources. If one of your computers is old and operates slowly, placing it on a network isn’t going to make the computer better. It might even slow the network down. You can always check to see if you can upgrade a computer’s memory, processor speed, or operating system; but compare the cost of an upgrade against the cost of a new computer before making any decisions.

Begin your inventory with a list of your computers. For each computer, write down the following.

You can always check your original invoice for the computer to find out the information for each item.

✦ Processor and memory

✦ Hard drive space

✦ Operating system (Windows 98, Windows XP, Mac OS 9, Linux, and so on)

✦ Attached hardware (CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, Zip drive, network card, modem, and such)

✦ External hardware and peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, and so on)

After your inventory, consider whether you need to replace or upgrade any of your hardware. If, for example, a computer has an operating system below Windows 95, such as DOS or Windows 3.11, consider purchasing a new computer. If the computer uses Windows 95, find out what it takes to upgrade the computer or replace it. Once you have your computers and other hardware in order, you’re ready to consider the network.

Looking at resources to share.

You can share printers, CD and DVD drives, flash cards, modems, some applications, and more on a network. You can also add resources as you build your network. Using a network to share resources offers many advantages and a few disadvantages that you’ll want to consider before you build your network together.

Sharing a printer, for example, means you need only one printer for three or four computers. However, if everyone prints often, they may have to stand around waiting for their print jobs. Sharing a hard drive with other family members means all of those free gigabytes of space may fill more quickly than originally planned, but everyone has backups of their data. With your inventory in hand, discuss with your family the pros and cons of sharing one printer, one large hard drive, one modem, or any of the other available resources. Then, consider which resources you want to share and which resources may need to be purchased. As previously mentioned you can add resources as you build your network and as you see a need for them.

Listing steps for a workgroup network.

A workgroup or peer-to-peer network is one in which all computers on the network can pool their resources together. Each individual computer usually retains its control over files, folders, and applications; however, every computer on the network can use another’s printer, scanner, CD drive, and so on. Workgroup networks contain a small number of computers. Workgroups can be made up of 2, 5, or even 10 computers.

It is important to note that the more computers in the workgroup, the slower the network may run.Peer-to-peer is the actual name for a network in which all users share all resources, as previously described. Microsoft Windows calls peer-to-peer workgroup, so if you’re used to Windows, you’ll recognize that term. Peer-to-peer and workgroup mean the same thing. In this book, I mostly use the term workgroup, however.

If you choose to use a workgroup network, you should perform the following steps. Many steps are optional, depending on your networking choices, whether or not you want Internet access, and so on.

1. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of networking and decide exactly what it is that you want from your network.

2. Consider some guidelines about the network that you will present to your family.

3. Define your networking goals: budget, computer placement, computer contents, applications issues, and so on.

4. Decide what speed the network will be, considering your family needs and equipment limitations.

5. Choose the network topology and technology.

6. Choose cabling: traditional, wireless, power, or phone lines.

7. Buy the networking hardware. Depending on the choices you make, you could purchase a kit containing everything you need, or you may purchase individual pieces of hardware and cabling.

8. Install network cards.

9. Install networking hardware: cabling, hubs, or other hardware as needed.

10. Configure the networking software—protocol, clients, services, and adapters—on each computer.

11. Attach any non-Windows computer or portables to the network.

12. Set shares in each computer. Test the shares.

13. Access the network, test IDs, passwords, and so on.

14. Learn to find other computers on the network.

15. Set up printers and test connections.

16. Set up Internet access, if you want.

17. Set up e-mail, if you want.

18. Create an intranet, if you want.

19. Install and configure applications.

20. Work with files and folders.

21. Understand how to manage the network.

22. Add other elements to the network, such as multimedia equipment or chat applications.

Sharing on a Network

Where are you in planning and installing your network? Do you already have computers that you want to connect? Do you have one printer that everyone in the house would like to share? Is having only one Internet connection a problem? You can share computers, printers, Internet connections, and more by installing a network in your home.

Do you need help choosing and buying the necessary networking equipment? Perhaps the equipment is already installed, but you’re unfamiliar with networking with Windows 98 or Windows XP. You might have your network up and running but want to add an intranet and e-mail technologies, Wireless-g protocol, power line networking enhancements, universal serial bus (USB) hubs and adapters, and the future of networking. Hear You Will find greater detail on how to lay cabling, place wireless access points, configure computers (include Linux and Macs), share Internet connections, and more.

This post presents an overview of the steps you need to plan your network. This chapter gives you an idea of the decisions and assessments ahead of you. You’ll need to consider what you already have, what equipment and hardware you want to share among your family or your small-business network, and what type of network benefits your situation. This chapter also presents a roadmap that helps you target the area in the book that will help you the most.

Overview of the Process

When you decide to connect your home computers to form a network,

You have to ask yourself many questions.

✦ what type of network will you use?
✦ what operating systems do you have?
✦ which operating systems do you want to add?
✦ How much money do you want to spend?
✦ What type of hardware and software is best for what you want to do?

The list goes on and on. PC-Hardware-Networking Blog can help you make these decisions and more. PC-Hardware-Networking Blog presents information, definitions, possibilities, and advice about setting up and running your home network. You may want to set up a quick and inexpensive network to enable file sharing between your desktop and laptop computers. You may want to build a more complex network that includes a server, six workstations, multiple printers, and other shared resources. In either case, you’ll find the information you need in this book. As you read PC-Hardware-Networking Blog, you’ll run across topics such as cabling, installing networking hardware and software, and adding applications to your system. You’ll learn about choosing cabling, network cards, and other equipment. You’ll even find out how to share your Internet account with everyone else on the network. You probably have the beginnings of a network already: computers, a printer or two, and perhaps other resources. In addition, ne of the most important reasons to have a network is to share resources, such as hard drive space, a printer, a CD-RW, and so on. Taking an inventory of your current equipment can help you make wise choices about what to purchase and what to share on your new network.

An important decision you must make before you begin putting together your network is whether to build a network using a server. There are advantages and disadvantages of both types of networking. Just so you’ll understand what you’re getting yourself into, the following sections present abbreviated steps for setting up a network.

What is Networking Hardware?

Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards and other equipment needed to perform data-processing and communications within the network. CLICK on the terms below to learn more about those pieces of networking hardware.

This section provides information on the following components:

• File Servers

• Workstations

• Network Interface Cards

• Switches

• Repeaters

• Bridges

• Routers

File Servers

A file server stands at the heart of most networks. It is a very fast computer with a large amount of RAM and storage space, along with a fast network interface card. The network operating system software resides on this computer, along with any software applications and data files that need to be shared.

The file server controls the communication of information between the nodes on a network. For example, it may be asked to send a word processor program to one workstation, receive a database file from another workstation, and store an e-mail message during the same time period. This requires a computer that can store a lot of information and share it very quickly. File servers should have at least the following characteristics:

• 800 megahertz or faster microprocessor (Pentium 3 or 4, G4 or G5)

• A fast hard drive with at least 120 gigabytes of storage

• A RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to preserve data after a disk casualty

• A tape back-up unit (i.e. DAT, JAZ, Zip, or CD-RW drive)

• Numerous expansion slots

• Fast network interface card

• At least of 512 MB of RAM

Workstations

All of the user computers connected to a network are called workstations. A typical workstation is a computer that is configured with a network interface card, networking software, and the appropriate cables. Workstations do not necessarily need floppy disk drives because files can be saved on the file server. Almost any computer can serve as a network workstation.

Network Interface Cards

The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the network and the computer workstation. Most NICs are internal, with the card fitting into an expansion slot inside the computer. Some computers, such as Mac Classics, use external boxes which are attached to a serial port or a SCSI port. Laptop computers can now be purchased with a network interface card built-in or with network cards that slip into a PCMCIA slot.

Network interface cards are a major factor in determining the speed and performance of a network. It is a good idea to use the fastest network card available for the type of workstation you are using.

The three most common network interface connections are Ethernet cards, LocalTalk connectors, and Token Ring cards. According to a International Data Corporation study, Ethernet is the most popular, followed by Token Ring and LocalTalk (Sant'Angelo, R. (1995). NetWare Unleashed, Indianapolis, IN: Sams Publishing).

Ethernet Cards

Ethernet cards are usually purchased separately from a computer, although many computers (such as the Macintosh) now include an option for a pre-installed Ethernet card. Ethernet cards contain connections for either coaxial or twisted pair cables (or both) (See fig. 1). If it is designed for coaxial cable, the connection will be BNC. If it is designed for twisted pair, it will have a RJ-45 connection. Some Ethernet cards also contain an AUI connector. This can be used to attach coaxial, twisted pair, or fiber optics cable to an Ethernet card. When this method is used there is always an external transceiver attached to the workstation. (See the Cabling section for more information on connectors.)

Token Ring Cards

Token Ring network cards look similar to Ethernet cards. One visible difference is the type of connector on the back end of the card. Token Ring cards generally have a nine pin DIN type connector to attach the card to the network cable.

Switch

A concentrator is a device that provides a central connection point for cables from workstations, servers, and peripherals. In a star topology, twisted-pair wire is run from each workstation to a central switch/hub. Most switches are active, that is they electrically amplify the signal as it moves from one device to another. Switches no longer broadcast network packets as hubs did in the past, they memorize addressing of computers and send the information to the correct location directly. Switches are:

• Usually configured with 8, 12, or 24 RJ-45 ports

• Often used in a star or star-wired ring topology

• Sold with specialized software for port management

• Also called hubs

• Usually installed in a standardized metal rack that also may store netmodems, bridges, or routers

Repeaters

Since a signal loses strength as it passes along a cable, it is often necessary to boost the signal with a device called a repeater. The repeater electrically amplifies the signal it receives and rebroadcasts it. Repeaters can be separate devices or they can be incorporated into a concentrator. They are used when the total length of your network cable exceeds the standards set for the type of cable being used.

A good example of the use of repeaters would be in a local area network using a star topology with unshielded twisted-pair cabling. The length limit for unshielded twisted-pair cable is 100 meters. The most common configuration is for each workstation to be connected by twisted-pair cable to a multi-port active concentrator. The concentrator amplifies all the signals that pass through it allowing for the total length of cable on the network to exceed the 100 meter limit.

Bridges

A bridge is a device that allows you to segment a large network into two smaller, more efficient networks. If you are adding to an older wiring scheme and want the new network to be up-to-date, a bridge can connect the two.

A bridge monitors the information traffic on both sides of the network so that it can pass packets of information to the correct location. Most bridges can "listen" to the network and automatically figure out the address of each computer on both sides of the bridge. The bridge can inspect each message and, if necessary, broadcast it on the other side of the network.

The bridge manages the traffic to maintain optimum performance on both sides of the network. You might say that the bridge is like a traffic cop at a busy intersection during rush hour. It keeps information flowing on both sides of the network, but it does not allow unnecessary traffic through. Bridges can be used to connect different types of cabling, or physical topologies. They must, however, be used between networks with the same protocol.

Routers

A router translates information from one network to another; it is similar to a superintelligent bridge. Routers select the best path to route a message, based on the destination address and origin. The router can direct traffic to prevent head-on collisions, and is smart enough to know when to direct traffic along back roads and shortcuts.

While bridges know the addresses of all computers on each side of the network, routers know the addresses of computers, bridges, and other routers on the network. Routers can even "listen" to the entire network to determine which sections are busiest -- they can then redirect data around those sections until they clear up.

If you have a school LAN that you want to connect to the Internet, you will need to purchase a router. In this case, the router serves as the translator between the information on your LAN and the Internet. It also determines the best route to send the data over the Internet. Routers can:

• Direct signal traffic efficiently

• Route messages between any two protocols

• Route messages between linear bus, star, and star-wired ring topologies

• Route messages across fiber optic, coaxial, and twisted-pair cabling

pc-hardware-networking

Networking hardware
Networking hardware typically refers to equipment facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, this includes routers, switches, access points, network interface cards and other related hardware.The most common kind of networking hardware today is copper-based Ethernet adapters, helped largely by its standard inclusion on most modern computer systems. Wireless networking has become increasingly popular, however, especially for portable and handheld devices.Other hardware prevalent within computer networking is datacenter equipment (such as file servers, database servers and storage areas), network services (such as DNS, DHCP, email etc) as well as other specific network devices such as content delivery.Other diverse devices which may be considered Networking hardware include mobile phones, PDAs and even modern coffee machines. As technology grows and IP-based networks are integrated into building infrastructure and household utilities, network hardware becomes an ambiguous statement owing to the increasing number of 'network capable' endpoints.