What is a Network?

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What is a Network?

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A network is simply the most cost-effective way to share a collection of communication equipment such as servers, computers, printers, and modems, that has been connected together by cables. A network helps people work collectively, not just individually.

Networking is all about sharing data, software, and peripherals such as printers, modems, fax machines, Internet connections, CD-ROM and tape drives, hard disks and other data storage equipment. A small network may be as simple as just two computers linked together by cable. A large network can link hundreds or thousands of computers and peripherals together in various configurations.

A variety of equipment may be used in a network. Depending on how many computers and other equipment you need to connect, your choice of networking devices will vary.

You may want to review the document, Common Network Layouts, to understand when and where these networking products are used and how they can help expand your network. Maintaining standards will ensure the best performance possible. Don't worry—it's easier than you think!

Server
A server can be as simple as a dedicated computer providing file storage, or as complex as a high capacity computer containing several hard disk drives, and a tape backup and CD-ROM drive. It can be used to help share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and connections to the Internet. It is often used to store database information, multiple software programs for access by "client" computers, work files on its large hard drive, and archive files. Computers connected to a server are called "clients."

Why Do I Need A Network?
A network will actually save you time and money! In today's business, the need for information is expanding so quickly that networking is no longer a luxury; it's an affordable necessity.

To be successful, businesses must share information and communicate not only within their company, but to the outside world. Networking makes this happen in the simplest and most economic way. Additionally, a network can eliminate the need to buy extra printers, modems, file storage, etc.: all of these items can be shared on a network. Even an outside line for Internet access can be shared over a network. It's obvious why a network is important—even essential—for growing businesses.

What Makes It Work?
Ethernet refers to the most common networking system. When Ethernet⁺ was established, certain standards were set. All messages sent over an Ethernet network include exact codes within the transmission that allow another device to accept them. Information is sent in small bursts of data, called "packets", to ensure that the send and receive operation is completed correctly.

Ethernet
A networking system originally developed in 1973 by Xerox and formalized in 1980 by DEC, Intel, and Xerox which transmits data at 10Mbps using specific methods.

Common Network Layouts

Network layout (also called "topology") refers to the way a network is physically designed. There are three basic network layouts. The two most common for a local area network are the "Star" and "Bus." A "Ring" topology is another type, but far less common. Star and Bus topologies are explained and diagrammed in this document.

Star topology
A networking setup used with 10BASE-T cabling and a hub. (Also called UTP or twisted-pair.) Each item on the network is connected to the hub like points of a star.

Bus topology
A networking setup in which a single cable, such as network coaxial cable, referred to as coax (or thin Ethernet), is used to connect one computer to another in a chain to carry data over a network.

(LAN) Local Area Network
A network in a localized (not remote) location that allows users to share information, equipment, and resources.

Star Layout
As its name implies, this layout resembles a star. At the center of each star is a hub or switch that connects to each separate node directly via a thin, flexible cable (10BASE-T cable). One end of the cable plugs into the connector on the network adapter card (either internal or external to the computer) and the other end connects directly to the hub or switch.

Installation is simple, inexpensive, and fast because of the flexible cable and the modular connector. The number of nodes you can connect to a hub is determined by the hub. There is a limit to the number of nodes you can add on a network (a maximum of 1024 nodes.). The star layout becomes a workgroup and can operate independently or can be connected to other workgroups.

If you would like to learn about cabling and connectors, see the document, Cabling: Network Pipeline.

Benefits of a Star Network

Inexpensive cabling.
Fast installation.
Workgroups communicate easily.
Expansion is as simple as adding a new workgroup.
Expansion using a switch or bridge actually improves performance across the network.
Ability to handle failed connections quickly without disrupting the entire network.
10BASE-T cabling provides status information to the status lights on your hub, simplifying troubleshooting.

Drawbacks

You are limited to a maximum of 100 meters (328 feet) between the node and the hub.

Node
A server, computer, printer, modem, fax machine, auxiliary hard drive or other equipment capable of communicating with a networking device (such as a hub or switch).

10BASE-T cable
A popular Ethernet cable using twisted-pair wiring with RJ-45 plugs at each end. Category 3 10BASE-T cable is used with standard 10 Mbps Ethernet networks.

Network Adapter Card
One of several PC cards designed for different computer types, it installs easily into your computer. Connector choices are BNC and/or RJ-45 to link the card to your network. Provided software converts your data into a format usable over an Ethernet network. 10 and/or 100Mbps cards are available.

Hub
Also referred to as a "repeater" or "concentrator", its primary function is to receive and send signals along the network between the devices connected to it. All communication across the hub is "broadcast" to all connected nodes simultaneously.

Mbps
Millions of bits per second.

Switch
A switch is more sophisticated than a hub and functions more efficiently because it "learns" network addresses automatically, providing a "private line" to the network. A node or a fully populated hub can be connected to a switch.

Workgroup
Nodes connected to a single hub or switch to form a small communication group for the purpose of networking.

Bus Layout
The bus layout, sometimes called a backbone, is a linear setup that connects all of the computers in the network or workgroup in a single line on a single cable. The data signal is transmitted to the entire population of nodes, one after another. A single coax cable, referred to as a segment, is used to connect the network together. A barrel connector (called a BNC) attached to each network adapter card allows the cable to connect directly to each computer, then on to the next computer, attaching to the hub's BNC (coax) connector, when a hub is used.

Each node taps into the cable as shown below:

Benefits of a Bus Network

Very reliable cabling.
Simple network expansion.
Does not require a hub or other central equipment.

Drawbacks

Standards restrict this network type to no more than 30 node connections on the network.
Total length of the network must not exceed 185 meters (607 feet).
If one connected node goes down, the entire network goes down.
Troubleshooting is difficult.

Coax
Thin or thick network quality cable used in Ethernet networking. It resembles cable TV or antenna cabling and must be rated for network use. Look for the marking RG-58/U.

Server-Based and Peer-to-Peer Networks
Now that you have an understanding of these layouts, you can better understand two other broader network configurations that are based on these same layout principles.

Server-Based Networks
A server-based network maintains the "server" as the manager of the network, with all nodes connected to the server, whether connected to a hub in a star or bus layout. In this way, the server can house and administer software, file sharing, file saving, allocation of printers, fax machines, modems, and other communication connections. A server-based network can also be set up using the bus layout.

The server acts as an arbitrator; each node talks to the server when requesting information, then the server locates the information either internally or on the connected clients and sends the information to the requesting client.

Peer-to-Peer Networks
This network design uses only the computers that are connected, and does not rely on a server. Each computer has its own hard drive and, between each of the computers, you may have a CD ROM drive, a tape back-up system, an auxiliary hard disk, a data/fax modem, and one or more printers. Each node has the ability to talk directly to any node on the network that has the information or service it needs.

With this network type, you can optimize your usage of the various resources by sharing them within your network. The star layout works well with this type of network because all nodes are connected directly to the hub, making connections easy. A bus layout may also be used with this kind of network.

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