Computer Networking Buying Guide

Computer networking buying tips

Every computer network consists of four basic parts, to summarize:

Nodes: Individual user stations, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones--any device that can tap into the network. Hook up two or more nodes and you have a network.

Connectors: The hook-up. Originally, all networks were "hard-wired;" today's networks can be wired or wireless. Regardless of which you choose; you will need some computer hardware.

• NICs: Network interface cards are the computer hardware that allows individual computers to connect to the network. Several networking technologies are available; Ethernet cards, for example, were designed for networking computer equipment in the same building and have been popular for more than three decades.
• Cables: Computer cables are the physical connection between computers. Phone lines are used for dialup modems, coaxial cables for cable modems. Ethernet cables (in connection with Ethernet cards) are popular for hard-wired small networks, generally in a single building. For high-volume networks, fire optic cables provide faster data transmission.
• Modems: Short for MOdulator-DEModulator, it's the original Internet connection. Modems change computer output (text, data, pictures) into phone or cable signals and vice-versa. The fastest dial-up modem is the 56k modem -- it transmits or receives 56,000 bytes per second. Newer USB modems or cable modems move data much faster, in megabytes per second. Wireless internet modems are also becoming very popular.
• Hubs, routers, servers: These are very similar, performing many of the same functions. Hubs are for the smallest networks, allowing one device to talk to another at any given time. Larger networks with faster data transfer rates require routers for traffic control. Routers receive packets of information from nodes and send them through network paths, making sure no single path is overloaded. In small networks, a router can be software loaded onto one computer. In large networks, a "dedicated router" (a device that does nothing else) is necessary. In addition to router functions, servers are used for large-scale file storing and sharing and to run software applications that manage large file backup and sharing, email, web connection and other functions.

Security: Computer hardware and software provide protection against unwanted intrusions.

• Firewalls: Think of firewalls as the CEO's secretary. Everyone wants to see to the boss, so the secretary makes sure only the appropriate people get through and that no one uses the boss' phone without permission. The great thing about the Internet is connectability; it's also the biggest downside. People are always trying to connect where they don't belong. Spyware is designed to get into your computer, read data and send that data to an outside node. Firewalls manage communications access. That is, a user can set the firewall to allow only certain devices or programs to connect to the Internet. A firewall won't erase spyware, but preventing it from communicating with its spymaster renders it harmless. A firewall has several ways of screening data, including keeping certain domains or IP addresses from talking to your net; they can also check incoming data for certain words or phrases. In small-scale networking, firewalls are usually software; in large networks, dedicated computer hardware can be attached to servers.
• See "Computer networking care" for more information on internet security software and utility software.

Protocols: Computer systems are different: PC versus MAC versus UNIX. Computers also differ from the phone, cable and satellite systems that connect them. Protocols (like the Internet "http" in web browsers) could be called the translator software that allows the parts to communicate with each other.

Computer networking categories

Computer system components included in each network depend on the size and type of network: Peer to Peer (P2P), Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).

Peer to peer networks

The smallest and simplest networking connects just a few nodes. One or two home computers plus a couple of iPods and PDAs or a half-dozen workstations in a small office are good candidates for a P2P network. Since relatively little data is shared, no router or b is necessary. Each desktop computer or laptop computer needs a NIC card (factory-installed or user-installed) plus file-sharing software. Most PDAs come ready-equipped with both.

Peer to peer networks are simple enough that almost anyone can set them up. In fact, with many computers, much of the work is already done.

Local area networks

When a network grows enough that a router or server is necessary, it is generally called a LAN. LANs work for small groups of computers (under 1,000) in close proximity (up to about a half mile from the server). LANs work for single buildings and small campuses. The most common LAN connection technology is Ethernet cards and cables, though Wi-Fi is growing in popularity.

Though not as simple as P2P networking, a little research and care will allow most people to integrate LAN hardware and software into their computer system.

Wide area networks

When a single computer or a LAN connects to another computer or LAN over a public communications system--phone lines, cables, satellites, Wi-Fi--it becomes a WAN. The Internet is the largest, most famous WAN. LANs have a physical presence; it's a real thing you can touch. WANs can be born and die as the need arises, though some are in constant use. In most WANs, there is no master server, that is, no ultimate point of control; networking hardware and software are part of LANs or individual machines.

It is also possible to set up private WANs using the Internet: For example, ZZZ Company has a corporate office and a factory plus outside salespeople. They have a LAN in each building (on opposite sides of town) plus laptop computers with wireless modems (for each sales rep). These form the company-wide WAN, which is controlled by a server at the home office. Access to their networking system is firewalled (limited) by passwords and other security software. This type of networking is called an "intranet."

WANs, intranets especially, are professional assignments -- definitely not do-it-yourself projects.

For more information (on electronics and a host of other great products!), check out the rest of the Overstock.com buying guides.

Additional computer networking components

Gateways: If you'd like to hook every computer in a P2P or small LAN to the Internet through a single address, a gateway is a good option. It combines modem, router and firewall functions in a single computer hardware device.

KVM switches: Networking computers usually doesn't imply control, only access. KVM switches allow a single Keyboard, Video monitor and Mouse (hence the name) to connect to and control several computers through computer cables. Some also allow a group of computer keyboards, computer screens and mice to connect to a single CPU. In business, a KVM switch could allow a supervisor or computer system administrator to remotely run or service computers in several offices. For home computers, KVM switches allow users to connect their laptop and desktop computers and share files even if they are not networked.

Print servers: As nice as it would be, not everyone can have their own printer, especially in homes or companies with a small electronics budget. Print servers (also called printer servers) are simple hubs, they allow several computers to connect directly to a printer without connecting to each other. They also allow computers to connect to multiple printers -- an inkjet printer for regular jobs and a laser printer for high-quality outputs.

Additional computer networking terms

Coaxial: Cable with two conductors (an inner core and outer tube) with an insulating layer between; transmits more data faster than dial-up phone connections. Coaxial cables are very common for home or small business connections to the Internet.

Dial-up: Connections made through regular 4-wire telephone lines; as a computer cable, phone line transmissions are limited to 56KB/second and require a modem. Once the only Internet connection, it becomes less common as each new technology is introduced.

Ethernet (or IEEE-802.3): Named for the "ether" (the "breath of the gods" which explained anything alchemists could not explain), it is the most common technology now used in LANs. Ethernet cables are "twisted pair" 8-wire computer cables and can connect at 10MB/second or more. User-installed Ethernet cards were once required for these networks, but many motherboards are now built Ethernet-ready.

Fiber-optic: Thin strands of glass which guide pulses of light instead of electricity. As an Internet connection, fiber-optic cables can transmit up to 30MB/second and are superior to coaxial cables over long distances.

FireWire (or IEEE-1394): A 4-pin (data) or 6-pin (data and power) computer cable. Early models transmitted 400MB/second, higher than early USB connections; new 9-pin versions may soon reach 6GB/second. These have numerous network and non-network uses.

USB: Once upon a time, not that long ago, different peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, joysticks) had different connectors called parallel or serial ports. This was inconvenient. The "Universal Serial Bus" was designed to replace both, allowing any peripheral to connect to any computer. Other goals include improved plug-and-play, eliminating rebooting when devices are unplugged and providing power to small peripherals. Data speeds vary from 12 to 480Mb/second depending on the version. USB ports are also smaller than parallel or serial, so you can fit more of them on each computer. Not quite universal, yet, USB cables are the standard for most peripherals from keyboards to flash drives.

Wi-Fi (or IEEE-802.11): Wireless WANs, many owned by cities and towns, allow any user to connect to the Internet anywhere the wireless signal is strong enough -- places known as Wi-Fi hotspots. [In case you're curious: There is some dispute, but most sources agree that Wi-Fi is short for "wireless fidelity."]

Computer networking care

Computer systems don't require much physical care. Few computer hardware components have moving parts, and since no user should be able to access software source code, let alone alter it, it should not need any attention.

Particulates, heat and humidity are potential problems. Dust the exteriors regularly. Buy a can of air and blow clean the openings, air vents, ports, etc. Never blow them clean yourself; the humidity in your breath is not good. A room dehumidifier or air purifier (available in the Overstock.com housewares department) is good in damp climates or places with lots of dust.

Electricity flow also generates heat, so be sure your computer systems get proper ventilation. Don't place them in enclosed cabinets. If the room gets hot, use a fan or air conditioner (also from housewares) and turn components off when not in use, if possible.

The other major threat to computer hardware and computer software is viruses, spyware and other intrusive programs. Security and utilities software are those applications which help you manage your computer system operations. Common utility software applications include:

• Anti-spy software: Anti-spy software prevents outside software from reading private files and sending the data outside your computer system.
• Anti-virus software: Anti-virus software prevents outside software from entering and damaging your computer system.
• Archive/file recovery software: Archive software saves file copies in case the system has problems.
• Compression software: Compression software reduces the size of files, allowing more to be stored in the system.
• Encryption software: Encryption software codes files so only certain individuals can open or read them.
• Monitoring software: Monitoring software allows computer system administrators to track use of computer hardware and software by system users; a great tool for parents to keep an eye on children in cyber-space.

The most cost-effective protection plan is a utility software package that includes several applications and which offers regular updates via the Internet (generally requiring an annual subscription). If your computer is networked, the security software and other utilities will generally be on the server, rather than individual machines; if in doubt, talk to the system administrator.

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