A Brief Description of Networking - A Background to What Most of Us Use

What is a network? You can think of a network as two or more computers that are linked together to share data and resources. For example, a simple home network might include two computers that share a printer, files, and e-mail services. Networks build in complexity from there.

All of us are attached to a very important network- the Internet. Many of them also use home networks, and some connect to business networks.

You need to understand the difference between the two types of networks:

Local Area Networks, called LAN's are set up in the same building, like a home or an office.

Wide Area Networks called WAN's, cover a wide geographical area. The internet is an example of a rather huge WAN.

Everyone can connect to the Internet. Many also have small home networks. Others connect to larger business networks.

To connect to the network we have to subscribe to an ISP that supports various transmissions like dial-up, ADSL, Cable etc. The majority of us (End Users) use DSL service which has some great advantages over other methods of transmission.

Network Architectures
The most common types of network architectures are peer-to-peer and client/server.

Peer to Peer:
Peer to Peer network enable each PC has equivalent capabilities and functions as both a Client and a Server. This allows users to access the same files and share devices like printers. Peer to Peer networks are most often used in the home.

Client - Server
In a client/server network, PCs are considered to be clients that rely on servers for resources. Servers are powerful computers that manage files, devices and network generally use client/server networks.

To communicate on a network, computers require some type of Network Interface Card (NIC)

Network Interface Card (NIC) contain:

A port for a cable that connects to the network

Circuits that communicate with the PC's microprocessor to support both receiving and transmitting data.

If a computer' NIC is not installed and functioning, the computer will never be able to access the LAN or Wan networks, even if the network components and connections are working.

NIC choice largely depends on the type, age and capabilities of the computer. They can be-

ISA Industry Standard Architecture - older type connection but still perfectly valid.
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect - the normal connection for modern PC's
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association PCMCIA - The connection of choice for Laptop computers.
Universal Serial Bus USB NIC's using this are external devices that serve as high-speed network interfaces. USB interfaces is used by a huge selection of computer devices and components such as mice, keyboard, modems and pointing devices.

Network Connections

NIC also need additional computer components to complete the connection to the network.

1. DSL Modem/Router - This device converts digital signals from computers to analogue transmission over the phones existing telephone lines.
2. Server - Provides access to the Internet.
3. Phone Line - Allows for DSL/Analogue signals to be transmitted between the modem and the end users local telephone exchange.

What is important to remember is all the Network components must work in order for the end user to ensure Internet access. Sometimes errors in the end users internet experience is down to problems with their Internet Service Provider or local Exchange.

Network Configurations
You can enable DSL to configure multiple connections in you own home with usually in the following three basic ways

1. Wired Networks - Physical connection to all your computers in your home network.
2. Wireless Connections - All computers in the network communicates through transmitters and receivers.
3. Hybrid Networks - Some Computers in the Network are physically connected as well as being connected via wireless transmitters and receivers.

I hope this summary provides an insight into what makes up a network and Networking.