Welcome to Connecting Point's Network
Information Page. This page has been designed for users that need more
information about networking. Let's look at the word itself and it's
formal definition:
 |
A group of computers and associated
devices that are connected by communications facilities. A network
can involve permanent connections, such as cables, or temporary
connections made through telephone or other communication links. A
network can be as small as a local area network consisting of a
few computers, printers, and other devices, or it can consist of
many small and large computers distributed over a vast geographic
area. |
Connecting Point Computer Center supports
networks with as few as three computers to over 100 users. Our specialty
is working hand in hand with technical administrators teaching and
sharing information. If your school,
business, or home computers need to be networked together, call on us we
can help get you up and running in no time. We have certified
technicians who do all of the cat5 and/or fiber cabling on staff waiting
and willing to help you out. Just call or email us for an estimate
and we will get a network consultant over as quickly as possible.
Network
Components
Setting
up a client/server network is easier than you might think. There are
seven basic components, some of which are optional:
Desktop
Computers
Identify
the desktops or workstations you would like to network.
Server
Purchase
a server with the right processing power, as well as expandability and
availability features to meet your business needs and number of users.
Cables
Connect
workstations together and to the server with cables. The cable serves as
the conduit along which data is sent between devices. Cables can range
from a twisted pair cable (RJ-45), which is similar to standard
telephone wire, to a fiber-optic cable, which is faster and more secure
but often expensive.
Network
Interface Card
A
"NIC", or network interface card, is a broad-level product
that fits into a PC, workstation, or server that allows the computer to
talk to the rest of the network. Whereas a desktop NIC is installed in a
desktop PC or workstation and only supports a single user, a server NIC
is used in a server to connect many users and supports business-critical
applications. A server NIC provides increased reliability, reduced CPU
overhead, and better overall performance.
Software
Some
type of networking software is required to facilitate communication
among the workstations and the server. The Network Operating System runs
on the server and allows users to share information and peripherals that
are attached to the network. In addition, each workstation must run
client software in order to communicate with the server. (ex. Microsoft
Windows 2000 Server with Windows 2000 Professional clients)
Hubs
In
some network configurations, a "hub" connects all of the
computers. The server connects to the hub, and each of the workstations
is plugged directly into the hub. Because the computers do not need to
be connected to each other in a serial fashion with this configuration,
they can be dispersed in multiple locations, such as separate offices,
or even different floors of the building. Cables can generally be run
about 100 yards (RJ-45), enabling a very flexible configuration. If you
have more users than ports on your hub, additional hubs can be
connected, or "cascaded" to the first hub. Some of the most
common hubs used by small businesses are 4-, 8-, and 16-port hubs.
Tape
Backup Units and Uninterruptible Power Supplies
We
highly recommend utilizing tape back-up units and universal power
supplies with your network. Tape back-up units assist users in storing
and protecting valuable information that your company may not be able to
function without. Uninterruptible power supplies help protect your files
against power surges and outages. |
