Navigating the World of Computer Networking

Computer networking is a continuously growing field in the world of computers. Most businesses are looking for the perfect computer networking solution, and this has brought about a plethora of computer networking jobs for those who understand the industry. However, before you sign up for computer networking consulting with an expert, you should understand some computer networking basics. After all, you should know what you are purchasing before you buy, and this bit of wisdom is no less true when you are purchasing computer networking services.

What Is a Computer Network?

Whether you are working for a business that has hundreds of computers or working in your home that has just a couple of computers on a shared network, the basics about a computer networking are the same. A computer network is basically any situation where two or more computers are linked with each other. This can be done wirelessly or with a cable. Printers, modems, voip phones and other peripherals can all be part of the network as well, and using a network allows the computers in the network to share these items. Files can even be shared back and forth through connected computers if the network is organized correctly.

Types of Networks

Before you sign up for computer networking consulting, you should have a basic idea about the type of computer network you are looking to install. This is one of the computer networking basics that you can learn before you consult with a professional. One type of network is a client/server network. This is typical in an office setting. Some computer somewhere in the building is the server, and all of the computers are connected to it. The individual computers are the clients, and you must log on to the server in order to access the work computer. This is also the type of connection made between your computer and the Internet when you are online. The website you are visiting will have a server, and your computer becomes the client.

If all of the computers on your network are going to be equal, such as is the case in many home networks, you have a peer-to-peer network. There is no server in this network. While most home networks are not perfect peer-to-peer networks due to the addition of the DLS server, they are a good example of this structure as they relate to the other computers in the home.

Setting up a Home Computer Network

If you are setting up your own home network, you may not need professional computer networking services. Most home computer networking jobs are fairly straightforward for those with some basic computer knowledge. Take the time to educate yourself about computer networking basics, and get started!

First, you will need to decide if you are going to use a wireless network or one that has cables. Since most computer networks contain at least one laptop computer, a wireless network is probably the best option. This allows you to connect your computer to a printer, fax, or other device that is not in the same room, and also allows you to stay portable when using your laptop computer.

Next, find a home networking diagram that contains the elements you wish to have in your home network, such as the number of computers you have, your Internet modem, and your printers and other accessories. For a wireless network, you will need to have a network adapter for all of your devices and computers. They will then be filtered through a wireless router that connects them all to one another.

If you choose to create a wired network in your home, you will need to connect each computer or device using an Ethernet cable. These can then be connected to a central device. Running all of these cables through your home can be complicated if you have several devices to connect to the network, and this is why so many home networks are wireless. However, this is the more affordable option for those who are building a network on a tight budget. Also, a wired network tends to be more reliable, because a wireless network relies on a router that can sometimes break and disrupt your network unexpectedly.

Building a Professional Computer Network

If you are looking to build a more complicated computer network for your place of employment, the computer networking basics you could teach yourself may not be sufficient. Unless you are a networking expert, you will probably want to hire a professional to help you come up with a computer networking solution.

Many commercial computer networks will utilize a combination of wireless networking and wired networking. These networks can get quite complicated quite quickly, and they also require a decent amount of security, so professional computer networking consulting is a must. Also, by hiring a professional, you will have somewhere to turn if you should experience problems with your network.

Computer networks can be complicated, but an understanding of computer networking basics will help you make more sense out of the network in your home or office. Even if you do not completely understand how it works, you will learn to be thankful for your network as it allows you to connect to all of the other computers in the building with just the click of a button!

Setting up a Home Computer Network

Keep in mind that most home networks are connect to the Internet through a gateway. A gateway is commonly a DSL modem, cable modem, or satellite Internet modem. Currently there is a few different ways to connect your home network the Internet, including, but not limited to DSL, Cable, ISDN, and in rural areas HughesNet Satellite Internet. Remember no network is complete without access to the world wide web.