Computer Networking
by Admin on Dec.16, 2009, under Uncategorized
Whether you’re a home based user looking to connect several machines for printer and file sharing, or a business professional looking to establish connections between employees (even at multiple locations) following proper Chicago computer networking principles can help you arrive at a solution. When connecting multiple locations, the service is called a wide area network or WAN. Most common localized area networks (LANs) are used to connect users in a given set of locations for productivity, entertainment and communications purposes. This guide establishes the core principles behind LAN technology to help users better understand the networking process.
Local Area Network
Local area networks can be used for many purposes including shared Internet access, file sharing, print sharing and several collaborative applications. Users can protect local networks through firewalls which limit access to the network according to IP address, ensuring that unauthorized users don’t have the same connectivity as standard computer users.
The implementation of the LAN can vary greatly depending on the scope of the service. Most commonly today’s networks are linked by wireless connectivity which connects computers to a centralized data-clearing server access to this server provides the means by which multiple computers are able to communicate. Importantly, companies and households are allowed to set individual computer level access to the network, ensuring that users only have access to the files and applications intended for their user. This is particularly useful in cases where families want to limit the access of younger children, or when companies want to safeguard confidential data to only a certain group of employees.
An internal network, or intranet, is usually in the form of portal based communication software which allows users to access a series of shared applications. Internet access can be limited to keep employees or children off of websites that are not business related or appropriate.
Proper LAN Setup
On your LAN you can easily setup shared services such as file and print sharing. Devices can either be connected via a wireless router or hardwired using ethernet cabling. With advances in firewall technology and wireless encryption, many firms now rely upon wireless connectivity exclusively.
Computers that are authorized on the network transparently log into a shared router. The shared router is password protected and all access that does not include the key is denied. Most networks offer a shared repository of files and data that can be easily shared with many users. With file sharing hierarchies it’s possible to implement safeguards to ensure your data is protected and only visible to authorized users. Today’s complex networking software enables network administrators to connect remote machines in a secure manner to keep your business running smoothly.
