Basic knowledge before you start Networking

Basic knowledge before you start Networking

Ethernet Network adaptor: An internal device that allows computers to communicate with each other via electrical signals passed through cable. Also known as a NIC (Network Interface Card).

Switch: Similar to a hub, but more efficient. While a hub will send data it receives from one port out all its other ports and let the computers attached to it figure out who the data is intended for, a switch stores information about the computers connected to it, then sends data only to the computer it is addressed to.

Firewall: A term for a software program or hardware device which can restrict specific kinds of data from passing into (or in some cases, out of) your network from the internet. Used for security purposes.

ISP/ ADSL router: Network devices which combine the functions of a switch and a firewall. They also provide the ability to easily share a DSL or cable Internet connection.

By default, all Windows operating systems use the TCP/IP protocol suite to communicate with each other through network devices. Any computer network adaptor using TCP/IP requires 3 things to communicate with other computers: An IP address, a subnet mask for that IP address, and a default gateway. These terms will be defined in a moment. First, though, an idea of how a TCP/IP network works logically.

When you give a computer an IP address, you identify the network which it is a member of, and give it an identification number within that network. A computer in a given network can communicate with any other computer that is local to it (in the same network), provided there is a way for information to pass between them (network cables, wireless network, etc.).

Basic networking consists of two essential pieces of equipment

Switches

·         Switches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network within a building or campus. For example, a switch can connect your computers, printers and servers, creating a network of shared resources. The switch, one aspect of your networking basics, would serve as a controller, allowing the various devices to share information and talk to each other. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save you money and increase productivity.

There are two basic types of switches to choose from as part of your networking basics: managed and unmanaged.

o    An unmanaged switch works out of the box and does not allow you to make changes. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.

o    A managed switch allows you access to program it. This provides greater flexibility to your networking basics because the switch can be monitored and adjusted locally or remotely to give you control over network traffic, and who has access to your network.

Routers

·         Routers, the second valuable component of your networking basics, are used to tie multiple networks together. For example, you would use a router to connect your networked computers to the Internet and thereby share an Internet connection among many users. The router will act as a dispatcher, choosing the best route for your information to travel so that you receive it quickly.

Routers analyze the data being sent over a network, change how it is packaged, and send it to another network, or over a different type of network. They connect your business to the outside world, protect your information from security threats, and can even decide which computers get priority over others.

Depending on your business and your networking plans, you can choose from routers that include different capabilities. These can include networking basics such as:

·         Firewall: Specialized software that examines incoming data and protects your business network against attacks

·         Virtual Private Network (VPN): A way to allow remote employees to safely access your network remotely

·         IP Phone network: Combine your company's computer and telephone network, using voice and conferencing technology, to simplify and unify your communications