What
is a network?
A network is a system of multiple computers that are connected together
so that files and hardware resources may be shared amongst one another.
There are many different types of networks, with the two most common
being "Peer-to-Peer" and "Client-Server." Continue
reading below for descriptions of each of these types of networks.
What
are the different types of networks available?
Sneakernet – The original and most tedious method of transferring
files. Users copy their file(s) onto a disk, put on their sneakers,
and walk the disk to the next computer.
Peer-to-Peer
Network – A local area network in which network resources
are shared among workstations, without a file server.
Client-Server
Network – A server-centric network in which some network
resources are stored on a file server, while processing power is
distributed among workstations and the file server.
What
is a LAN (Local Area Network)?
LAN – Local Area Network - A number of computers in close
proximity linked together through network media.
What
is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
WAN – Wide Area Network - A network that connects smaller
networks in multiple locations, cities or states. In short, a WAN
connects more than one LAN together.
What is a hub?
A network connectivity device that brings media segments together
in a central location. The hub is the central controlling device
in some star networks.
Translation: This is a piece of hardware that is used to
connect computers together and allows them to communicate with one
another. It is often used in a Peer-to-Peer network environment
and allows for the sharing of resources.
What
is a router?
An intelligent internetwork connectivity device that routes using
logical and physical addressing to connect two or more logically
separate networks. Routers use algorithms to determine the best
path by which to send a packet.
Translation: This is a piece of hardware which connects computers
or multiple networks together. Routers are "intelligent"
in that they are able to efficiently decide how to send information
resulting in better speed for the computers and networks.
What
is a Bridge?
A network interconnectivity device that selectively determines the
appropriate segment to which it should pass a signal. Through address
filtering, bridges can divide busy networks into segments and reduce
network traffic.
What
is Bandwidth?
In network communications, the amount of data that can be sent across
a wire in a given time. Each communication that passes along the
wire decreases the amount of available bandwidth.
Translation: The amount of bandwidth flowing through your
system is much like water going through a hose. There is a limit
in "volume" and it can only flow up to a certain speed.
What
is a Bottleneck?
A condition in which network data transfer is slowed significantly
because of a problem with a network device.
Translation: Think of a bottleneck in a network the same
way you run into bottlenecks in traffic. When the lanes narrow during
rush hour the cars have no choice but to slow down.
What
are the different types of computers involved in a network?
Client
– is a computer that uses network resources, but does not share
any. If you have a printer hooked directly to a client computer,
then no one else is able to access it. If you have a printer hooked
directly to a client machine, no one else is able to access it without
enabling File and Print Sharing and sharing that printer across
the network.
Peers
– a computer that uses the resources, and also shares its own.
Other users may be given access to your files, printers, and other
devices.
Servers
– a computer that other client computers have access to. Files
are shared and routes are provided for access to other devices such
as printers. The server is also controlled by an administrator who
has the ability to control precisely who is allowed access to these
files and devices.
How
do I decide which Network type is best for me?
This is by far the most important overall question that you must
ask yourself. It is a decision that is best made through having
some brainstorming and discussions with us. The first step is to
consider what your needs, abilities and priorities are. Below is
a list of facts that you should consider about both types of network
configurations. The first consideration, obviously, is cost. Client-Server
Networks will always cost more than Peer-to-Peer networks. This
is not surprising, because with a server you receive a much higher
quality of network and many more benefits.
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- Typical
setup and hardware is cheaper.
- Typically
used with a network of 5 or fewer nodes/computers.
- Resource
Sharing.
- Requires
confident computer users who can be trusted with both resources
and back-up responsibilities.
- Software
cannot be shared, which requires single user installations
and licenses for every computer.
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- Central
point for file storage.
- Overall
Software Cost Effectiveness.
- Access
Speed Improvement.
- Central
Point for Internet Access.
- Control
over each user’s access to resources.
- Strong
Central Security.
- Easier
Security Management.
- Central
Organization.
- Routine
back-ups of data.
- Requires
an administrator who is able to create new users and administer
appropriate rights.
- Requires
multi-user licenses for software, which is typically provided
at discounted prices making it ultimately cheaper than purchasing
multiple single user licenses as required in peer-to-peer
network
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