Beginners Guide To Networking

Presented By

Milsteda
Systems Limited
Specialist Computer, CCTV & Network Cable Installations

94 High Street Saxilby Lincolnshire LN1 2HG

Phone: 01522 800932 Fax: 01522 800932 Email: sales@milsteda.com Internet: www.milsteda.com

What is a Network?
A network is created when you link computers together to enable information and peripheral equipment sharing. Various types of copper cabling, fiber optic cabling, wireless communication devices, or any combination of these can link the computers. There are two basic types of network: Server Based Domain Model This is usually where a central server stores all important data and controls client or user access to this data based on login and password information given when a user logs onto the network. This model can be made very secure and has the advantage of central administration of all users. Because important data is stored on the server it can easily be backed up regularly. The server would need to run software such as Windows NT Server or Windows 2000 Server. Client or user computers would run operating systems such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation and Windows 2000 Professional. Workgroup Model This is where each computer shares some or all of its resources (i.e. hard disk folders, printers, etc.) to other users on the network and in turn is allowed to access resources from other computers who are sharing resources. This is easy to set up and the required software is built into most desktop operating systems such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation, etc. This model is suitable for small networks of typically less than 10 computers, which are physically located in the same building. Security on this type of network is very limited and administration must be carried out on each and every computer on the network.

Do I need a network?
If you need to share any data, for example databases, spreadsheets, word processor documents then having your computers networked together will speed up this process greatly. If several users need access to printers then these devices can be shared to everyone on the network.

In the above network all users can print to the same printer and share files as if they were on their own computer.

What type of cable do I need?

Ethernet cabling systems are the most common and are used in this guide. The type of cable depends on many different factors such as distances between computers, type of network, speed of network, number of computers, security of data required, etc. We would normally recommend a site survey be undertaken before deciding on cable type. Here are a few considerations:

Bus:

Co-axial Cable is used for this type of network. This type is called a BUS topology. It is fairly well shielded against interference. Maximum Network Speed - 10Mbs Maximum cable length 185 meters / 500 meters between repeaters depending on type of Co-axial cable used. A 50-Ohm terminator must be used at both ends of the cable. Number of Computers - Maximum 30 Computers per cable segment. 5 segments are allowed to be connected by 4 repeaters, but computers may populate only 3 of the segments. This gives a maximum of 90 computers per network. If necessary this can be increased by the use of special networking hardware to segment the network to give the impression of separate networks. Disadvantages - If cable or terminator is damaged then ALL computers are knocked off the network.

Star:

Cat5e cable or Fiber Optic cable is normally used for this type of network. This type is called a STAR topology. There are shielded and unshielded types of this cable. Each computer is connected to a central point called a HUB. Maximum Network Speed - 100Mbs Maximum cable length between any computer and HUB. - 100 meters -Cat5e cable - 2000 meters - Fiber Optic cable

Number of Computers - Maximum 1024 Computers per network. Advantages / Disadvantages - If cable is damaged then only the computer connected to that cable is knocked off the network. If the hub fails then ALL computers are knocked off the network.

Star Bus:

Several of STARS can be connected together to form a much larger network. The cabling rules are essentially the same as for the STAR topology. In an ethernet network there should be no more than 4 hubs between any 2 computers. The connection between hubs is called a backbone. If the segments are a good distance apart then Fiber Optic cable can be used for this backbone, giving a distance of up to 2000 meters.

Wireless Communications:

With the addition of a wireless hub or access station mobile users can simply walk into the building, sit down and start to work without connecting any cables. They can use devices such as printers as normal. A Wireless network card fitted into the card slot transmits and receives network data. The range of each wireless hub is about 60 - 100m depending on type and location, however by using several at well-placed locations wide coverage can be obtained.

How much will a network cost?

The cost depends upon many factors such as size, topology and hardware required.

The answer is:

A well-designed and maintained network can be very cost effective.