Networking is the term given to connecting two or more computers together so that they might communicate with
eachother. Connecting to the internet is essentially networking, but in most cases networking refers to connections made on the
customer's side of the telephone line. The internet connection is often called the “Wide Area Network” or WAN, whereas the internal
network is the “Local Area Network” or LAN.
There are a number of methods to build a wired network; the usual method is by using Ethernet or CAT5 cable connecting the PC
to a network sharing device such as a router. Another, older method is by using co-axial cable similar to television aerial cable.
Two computers can be connected together without using a router by utilizing a special Ethernet cable called a “Cross-over cable”.
This method while being more difficult to implement is useful when the connection to the internet uses one of the older USB broadband
modems. This method is older and not normally used these days.
Equipment requirements
- A suitable network interface card (NIC) in each computer, although most modern computers will have an ethernet
network interface built into the motherboard.
- Ethernet cabling, enough for each computer on the network to reach the central network sharing device.
- A central network sharing device:-
- Router/modem. This is usually the device supplied by your ISP to connect your computer to the internet.
In addition to the telephone connection, most router/modems nowadays have up to four ethernet connections or ports
and many have a wireless capability too. The router does exactly that, it routes the signal or data to where it's
needed.
- Switch. This device looks similar to the router/modem but without the telephone connection. It can be
used to connect a number of computers to a single port on the router/modem. A typical use in the home environment
would be where say a couple of computers are used upstairs and a couple downstairs. With the router/modem downstairs,
only one ethernet cable would be needed to feed a switch upstairs, instead of one per computer.
Ethernet over the mains
 Whilst not exactly a fully wired solution, it isn't a purely wireless solution either.
Using a pair of special 13 amp type plugs containing all the necessary circuitry, the ethernet ports of a router/modem and a computer can be connected just as you would an ordinary wired network and provided the plugs are connected on the same electricity ring main, not usually a problem in the home environment, the computer can be in any location without the need for extensive cabling.
Network security
Security of your data in a wired network is rated as good, because any access to the network must be made by a physical connection. The only other security considerations are those in relation to access from the internet. A software firewall in each networked computer should be deployed. A hardware firewall is often included within the router/modem.
Whatever your networking needs, BW Data Designs can assist you in your choice and can install and set up your network for you. |
