A network is a group of computers, printers,
and other devices that are connected together
with cables. Information travels over the
cables, allowing network users to exchange
documents & data with each other, print
to the same printers, and generally share
any hardware or software that is connected
to the network. Each computer, printer,
or other peripheral device that is connected
to the network is called a node. Networks
can have tens, thousands, or even millions
of nodes.
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Like most things, networks are are assembled
according to certain rules. Cabling, for
example, has to be a certain length, each
cabling strand can only support a certain
amount of network traffic, etc. The rules
that govern how a network is set up is called
its topology. The most popular topology
in use today is called Ethernet, which consists
of computers and peripherals cabled together
in specific ways. Ethernet is relatively
inexpensive, easy to set up and use, and
very, very fast.
Ethernet networks are categorized by how
fast they can move information. Speed is
expressed in megabits per second (or Mbps),
where one "bit" is equal to 1/8th
of a character, letter, or number. There
are currently two Ethernet speed categories.
Standard Ethernet operates at a fast 10Mbps,
which is quick enough for most networking
tasks. Fast Ethernet, by contrast, races
along at a blistering 100Mbps, making it
ideal for desktop video, multimedia, and
other speed-hungry applications. The new
technology behind Fast Ethernet, which was
introduced in the beginning of 1995, is
not readily compatible with standard Ethernet.
Making the two "talk" with each
other requires special equipment (see switching
hub below) and some knowledge of internetworking.
If you're building your first network, decide
whether to go with standard or Fast Ethernet
before you begin shopping around for network
hardware and software. Unless you plan on
using video, multimedia, or heavy graphics
software, plan on using standard Ethernet.
Why would I want to network my
PCs?
- Share Internet
access, printers, and hard drives
- Communicate with
colleagues or family anywhere
- Download updates
and drivers to shared devices in the home
- Remotely access
office or home via Terminal Server RDP
or Citrix clients.
More and more offices and households are
using more than one computer. In Australia,
about half of all households have computers,
and of these more than 3 million households
have more than one computer! (IDC) Home
networks are becoming increasingly common
to realize the tremendous opportunities
sharing computers offers! |
