Networking Fundamentals, v4.0

Networks are an interconnection of computers. These computers can be linked together using a wide variety of different cabling types, and for a wide variety of different purposes.

The basis reasons why computers are networked are

• to share resources (files, printers, modems, fax machines)
• to share application software (MS Office)
• increase productivity (make it easier to share data amongst users)

Take for example a typical office scenario where a number of users in a small business require access to common information. As long as all user computers are connected via a network, they can share their files, exchange mail, schedule meetings, send faxes and print documents all from any point of the network.

It would not be necessary for users to transfer files via electronic mail or floppy disk, rather, each user could access all the information they require, thus leading to less wasted time and hence greater productivity.

Imagine the benefits of a user being able to directly fax the Word document they are working on, rather than print it out, then feed it into the fax machine, dial the number etc.

Small networks are often called Local Area Networks [LAN]. A LAN is a network allowing easy access to other computers or peripherals. The typical characteristics of a LAN are,

• physically limited ( less than 2km)
• high bandwidth (greater than 1mbps)
• inexpensive cable media (coax or twisted pair)
• data and hardware sharing between users
• owned by the user

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