Transcript Networking 101 presentation - Quad Cities Computer Society

Home Networking 101
How to Set Up, Secure
and Manage A Network
Why Network
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Networking is all about sharing, and it allows
your computers to connect to the Internet,
talk to each other, and share resources like
files and printers
What is A Computer Network
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Communication system between 2 or more
computers or other devices such as printers
Benefits of Networking
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Networking adds flexibility to the way you work with your computers
and electronic devices. You can:
Share a high-speed, broadband cable or DSL Internet connection so
everyone can surf the web simultaneously
Access your own private e-mail account while others cruise the web
Share all types of files, including music, digital pictures, and
documents
Store your library of music, pictures, and files all in one place
View your digital pictures and listen to your music anywhere in the
house
Enjoy multiplayer and head-to-head gaming with friends or family from
any room in the house
Save money and time by sharing printers, scanners and other
peripherals
Network vs Networking
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Network—Physical infrastructure, enables
transmission of data—Hubs, repeaters,
routers, cables, fiber optics and microwave
dishes
Networking—Preparation of data for
transmission and submission of data to the
network, enabled by software
LAN vs WAN
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LAN—Local Area Network—Devices
connected in a single office or building
WAN—2 or more interconnected LANs,
geographically distant
The best example of a WAN is the Internet,
which spans the entire world
Wired vs Wireless
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Wireless - communicates through radio
waves
Wired - communicates through data cables
(most commonly Ethernet-based)
Advantages of Wireless
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Mobility and freedom - work anywhere
No restriction of wires or a fixed connection
Quick, effortless installation
No cables to buy or install
Easy to expand
Advantages of Wired
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Relatively low cost
Offers the highest performance possible
Fast speed - standard Ethernet cable up to
100Mbps.
Faster speed - Gigabit Ethernet cable up to
1000Mbps.
Wired networks are best when you need to
move large amounts of data at high speeds,
Wireless Standards
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Wireless-B (802.11b)
Operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band and can transmit data at speeds of up
to 11Mbps within a range of up to 100-150 feet.
Wireless-A (802.11a) –
Operates at the frequency of 5 GHz, which is less crowded than 2.4GHz where
telephones and microwaves may cause interference. Although the speed is up
to 54Mbps, the range is only up to 75 feet. Wireless-A is incompatible with both
Wireless-B and G because it operates at a different frequency.
Wireless-G (802.11g) –
Features the same benefits as Wireless-B, but offers 5X the speed at up to
54Mbps. Wireless-G currently offers the best combination of performance and
value. You can mix Wireless-B with Wireless-G equipment, but you will lose the
higher performance speeds of Wireless-G.
Wireless-N (802.11n) - The next generation of high-speed wireless networking,
capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most
bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming high definition video, voice, and
music. Wireless-N is based on MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output)
technology, which uses multiple radios to transmit multiple streams of data over
multiple channels.
Network Hardware
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Router: This is considered the heart of your network
and is the device that routes all the traffic to and from
the Internet to the various computers on your
network.
Modem: Connects your Internet service to your
computer. Depending upon what type of broadband
service you have, you will need either a DSL or cable
modem. Or, you can purchase a gateway router
which is an all-in-one solution that combines the
functions of a router with a cable or DSL modem so
that two separate devices are not required.
Network Adapters:
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For a desktop computer:
PCI Adapter - connects inside your computer
USB Adapter--plugs into a USB port on the outside of your
computer
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For a laptop computer:
A PC (PCMCIA) Card--slides into a slot on your laptop computer
USB Adaptor--plugs into a USB port on the outside of your
computer
**Most new computers come with built in devices (wired and/or
wireless)
To Expand Your Coverage
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High Gain Antenna and Antenna Stands
Range Extenders or Access Points