To
put it very simply, a computer network is a group of computers linked together.
They share and exchange information and perform tasks to achieve business
objectives - all directed by the users.
Within
a typical computer network you will find the following components:
A Server that holds the information and data
(pictures, files, databases and email)
Individual computer systems (desktops and
laptops)
Network Switches and Network cables that link
all the computer systems together
A Modem/Router that will allow the network to
communicate via the internet with the outside world
A Firewall that protects the business data
from unauthorized access by outsiders
Most business also add a wireless access box
allowing the information to be accessed by portable devices (like laptops etc)
All of the above links devises such as
printers, faxes, scanners and other networkable machines
In
more technical terms, the computers are able to communicate and exchange
information because they use software that observes the same set of ‘parameters’,
or protocol. In a small/medium business environment it’s common to see a server
present as the central place of communication which holds all of that
information and allows the business to create a hierarchy of data access
depending on each user or staff member’s role in the business. A good way to
describe the role of the server is to describe it was the brain of the system,
whilst the computers are the arms and legs that get the network moving. All
networks operate using the same basic principle: Whenever a computer in a
network sends information to another computer or peripheral, the information is
in the form of what’s called a "packet." When the packet reaches the
designated station, the information is transferred to the computer.
Why do computer
networks exist and what role do they play?
The
interconnection (or networking) of multiple computer systems within an office
is known as a Local Area Network (LAN). It’s used to allow and process the communication
and exchange of information within the office. For example, the sharing of documents,
accounts, databases access to emails and internet is achieved by utilizing
computer networks.
The
role of the computer server is usually to create a central point where
information is shared, different permission levels are granted and backups can be
performed at a single place. This server-type office network environment is the
most common and is usually recommended by IT experts.
What are the
different types of networks and what are they used for?
There
are 3 renowned types of computer networks that you may or may not have have heard
of; and they are LAN, WAN and VPN.
LAN (Local Area Networks)
Local
Area Networks are commonly utilised by small to medium businesses to
interconnect all of their systems together, share information, communicate internally
amongst staff and users and allow for centralized storage and management of
information. In order to achieve this type of system, usually a server is
required that involves Windows, Linux or other operating systems. It is safe to
say that Windows and Linux are the most popular operating systems amongst
businesses.
WANs (Wide Area Networks)
Wide Area Networks move beyond the
confines of a workplace and are usually used to connect with other offices or
branches within a business. WANs basically work on their ability to connect
Multiple LANs together. A WAN is essentially a long distance network:
it can connect systems together throughout a country, or even to outside the
country and overseas locations. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
Virtual Private Networks are used to
interconnect individual users to an Office by providing a secure, encrypted
link or what’s called a ‘tunnel’. This is especially handy for workers on the
go or at an off-site location who may need access to a workplace database or
network. Additionally, VPNs can be used to interconnect separate workplaces
using a public connection (Internet) in a very secure manner so that the exchange
of information between offices is kept private.
Network Hardware Requirements
The
basic equipment that you will need to set up a network besides your server and
computer system/s includes:
Network cards
Cables
Networking software
A "hub" into which all the cables
are connected.
Network
Interface Card (NIC)
One
of the most critical pieces of hardware when creating a network is what’s known
as an adapter. The adaptor allows the computer to "talk" to the
network, and is also known amongst IT professionals as a network interface card (NIC). Network interface cards differ from
each other primarily in terms of connection speed. NICs today generally support
at least 100Mbps (Gigabit), and most now have the capability of 1000Mbps
(Gigabit) connections (this is widely recommended).
Some
computers do come with the NIC and the necessary accompanying software drivers
that are needed pre-installed. If your computer/s do not have cards already
built in, you’ll need to organise a separate purchase and installation. NICs
range in price from just $15 to more than $150. Whichever NIC you do decide to
choose, you should try to settle on the same brand for all your computers for
easier troubleshooting in the future.
Switch
All
networks require the presence of a switch. The switch essentially acts as a
central traffic cop for the network, managing the receiving and transmitting of
data from networked devices. Each computer and peripheral that you want to add
onto your network must have a cable that runs from the Network Interface Card
that is installed inside it to the switch.
Switches
do vary in price, depending on the connection speed that they are able to support
and how many devices they can connect. Each connection is known as a
"port." Switches come in many different port configurations and
capabilities. Prices for switches that support a smaller number of ports can start
for as low as $100. However Switches can reach much higher prices that stretch into
the hundreds, even thousands, for supporting multiple or many users.
Cables
Finally,
it’s essential that you have cables to connect each computer to the switch. The
primary types of cables that are used include twisted pair and fiber optic
cables. These days, the most popular type of wiring used in most offices is
known as a Category 5e (Cat 5e) cable. This particular type of twisted pair
cable can support network speeds up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gb).
Ethernet
Ethernet
has over time become the standard of networking technology from small to large
businesses everywhere, being the most widely implemented standard. The
different types of Ethernet are distinguished or designated in terms of the
data transfer speed each supports.
So
what type would you need? Well, it depends largely on the size of your business
and the requirements of your network.
100Mbps (mega bits per second) is the minimum for business network connections.
1000 Mbps is usually opted for by businesses with a large number of connected
PCs, large amounts of data to transfer and share, or more room in their budget.
10ge
Gigabit (10 Gbps) Ethernet networks are also available, but
are only suitable for much larger companies with multiple networks and hundreds
of employees. (This technology is quite cutting edge and is now supported by
most vendors)
THERE were 70 substantiated privacy breaches from investigations into around 950 Medicare employees suspected of having had unauthorised access to client records.
Samsung and Telstra Business Systems announce new partnership!
Samsung
Communications and Telstra Corporation have signed
a commercial agreement to jointly market
Samsung's OfficeServ 7000 series Enterprise IP Solutions via the highly
successful Telstra Business Systems (TBS) program.
More Info >>
Small Business Tax Break - INCREASED TO 50%!
Small businesses can claim a $1000 tax deduction* on Samsung OfficeServ 7030 systems for a limited time only!
