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What kind of home or small office network is right for you? So you want to build a home or small office network but don’t know where to start. It can be a daunting proposition, and there certainly are tons of products out there to choose from. Our guide to home and small office networking should help you answer some basic questions, such as: · Should you go wireless? · Do you need a special server to hold all of your data? · Is a home or small network expensive? · Can I keep shared files out of the hands of some network users? In this initial overview, we’ll give you a snapshot of small-scale networking, beginning with some basic terminology. We’ll compare wireless networks to traditional cabled networks, and then the server-based networking model to peer-to-peer networking. This guide will help give you a better understanding of networking and be ready to start making decisions about what setup is right for you. Networking terminology Computer networking has its own unique vocabulary. Although we’ll avoid as many acronyms and buzzwords as possible in this brief overview, a firm grasp of the following terms will help you understand the basic networking concepts we’ll discuss throughout this guide. · Node – Any device, such as a PC, that is connected to a computer network. · Protocol – The method that computers use to communicate with each other. Humans use a particular language, such as English, and computers use a specific protocol, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). · Server – A computer that shares a resource, such as files or a printer, with other nodes on the network. Traditionally, a server is a dedicated computer that provides resources, such as shared files. · Switch – A network device that connects network nodes and allows them to communicate with each other. · Network Adapter Card (NIC) – A specially designed board that is put inside a device that allows the device to connect to the network. The components of a computer network Computer networks, regardless of their design or equipment, all share certain attributes. First, they all include computers and peripheral devices. Second, all networks must have a communication medium such as cables; wireless networks use a special radio frequency (RF) signal that’s transmitted through the air. Third, all networks must have a method, or protocol, for the devices to communicate with each other. For the most part, you can count on computers today using TCP/IP. Finally, all networks must have a common device that connects all its computers and devices, collectively known as its nodes. For the purposes of our example, we’ll use a switch, although some networks use other kinds of devices (such as routers or hubs). Traditional cabled networks Until recently, all networks relied on connections based on network cables and networking devices, such as switches. This type of network configuration is relatively cheap, very fast, and more secure than the wireless network schemes now on the market. Tried-and-true network cabling can be fantastic, but there are a few drawbacks. Obviously, you must connect each computer to the network using a cable, which can be quite difficult, especially if you live in a multistory house and want all the rooms to have a networked computer. In addition, if you want to move a computer to a new location, you must run a cable to the spot. Figure A shows you a simple diagram of a home network. Our example has three desktop computers and a laptop connected to a switch. The centrally located switch lets all the computers communicate with each other so that they can share files; the printer is connected locally to one of the networked computers. The computers could be located in the same room but could just as easily be located throughout the house. |
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Wireless networks Wireless networks are the latest craze to hit the home networking market. This type of network offers much greater flexibility because you don’t need to physically connect each device to the network. Computers communicate using specially built network adapters and a wireless access point, which is similar to a switch. Freedom from cables comes with a price, however. Wireless networking devices are much more expensive than their physically connected cousins. You can find traditional network adapters for $20 or less, and an inexpensive wired switch for $50 or less; wireless network adapters cost around $100 and a wireless access point goes for at least $100. Even if you factor in the extra cost of cabling, wireless networks still cost more. In addition, wireless networks can be up to ten times slower than traditional networks, depending on the type of network adapters and switch you are using. Wireless networks also are not as secure as wired networks. Wireless access points can broadcast their signal up to 800 feet, and the signal goes straight through walls. So if you live near someone who also has a wireless network, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see each other’s computers when you log on to your network. Although you’ll still need a password to access the computers on another network, you’re much more likely to have someone try to access your data with a wireless network. However, before you write off wireless networks as being unsafe, please remember that there are definitely ways to prevent unauthorized access to your network. In Figure B, we’ve taken the same devices from our earlier example and designed a wireless network. The wireless access point should be centrally located in the house, while the computers can be virtually anyplace. In fact, you can take the laptop out onto the patio. As far as flexibility goes, you just can’t beat wireless networking.
Server-based networking In the past, virtually all computer networks were built around a centralized computer called a server. This computer held all the network’s shared information; other network nodes connected to the server to use the data. The server-based networking model is still the popular choice in the business world because it’s easy to manage and provides a great deal of security for information stored on the server. However, server-based networking is relatively expensive, since at least one computer must be configured as a dedicated server. In addition, a network administrator typically needs specialized skills to manage a server, which often runs on an operating system specially designed for the purpose. For home use, this type of network design is definitely not necessary. If you want to get some of the benefits of a server-based network, you can put a large hard disk in one of your networked computers and let that system hold most shared files. In this manner, you reap the benefit of having information located in one place without the expense and technical challenge of maintaining a server. Peer-to-peer networking The two network designs that we’ve illustrated in Figure A and Figure B are good examples of a peer-to-peer network. Peer-to-peer networking is easy to configure, inexpensive, and designed for home or small business use. In this type of a network, each computer shares information stored on it with the other computers, or peers, on the network. You can also share peripheral devices, such as printers and scanners. The downside to peer-to-peer networking is that it’s relatively insecure. Everyone on the network can access the files you’ve designated to be shared on an individual machine. Although this typically isn’t a large concern for home users, it can be a problem if you store information such as tax documents on a shared drive. However, it’s relatively easy to prevent others from seeing your sensitive information. Just remember that you must be careful about what you store on a shared drive. The choice is up to you As we’ve shown you in this brief overview, you have a variety of choices when designing your home network. If you want a fast, secure, and inexpensive home network, then a traditionally cabled network is the way to go. If running network cables throughout your house is unappealing or not even an option, then wireless may be your only choice. You can also combine these network schemes by connecting a wireless access point to a wired switch. This approach can provide needed connection speed for computers you want to use for head-to-head gaming, while also giving you the flexibility to move around the house with your laptop. When it comes to computer networking the only right choice is the one that works the best for you.
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