Networking ComputersOur Computer Networking Support
iTelNet offers a computer networking support service at a minimal fee. Networking computers can be very inexpensive if you have a small office with just a few computers, or it can be a complicated and more costly process if you have a large office, or offices spread across the world. Regardless of your networking computer needs, we can get the job done.
Our networking computers process works as follows: (1) you call or email us, and explain your exact needs; (2) we discuss your request with one of our networking experts and get you an exact price quote, including labor and computer networking hardware, if needed; (3) if you select our service, you pay our fee and our expert will connect your computers. We will do this remotely, or on site, depending on the computer networking support details.
For more info, click here to email us or call us today at 1-800-677-0836.
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Important Note: iTelNet also offers monthly phone service, monthly internet access, and phone equipment. When you call us, please inquire about using iTelNet for all your company’s telecom needs, as we usually save our customers approximately 20% from their current rates. |
History of Networking Computers
The idea to network computers originally sprung from the U.S. government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency brain trust. The goal was to have a way to share information should there be a nuclear attack against America. Now computer networks not only help protect national security but help ordinary citizens to manage their jobs, their entertainment and their daily activities more efficiently. Even as mobile internet becomes more common, networking computers in offices will still remain key in the digital age.
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What is a computer network?
Whenever two or more computers are physically or wirelessly connected so they can share data and/or resources, you have a computer network. Up until recently, most computer networks were found in offices. But the explosion of digital technology and the increased reliance on personal computers have spurred a significant increase in the number of home networks. So, by networking home computers, you can create and store documents on Computer A then retrieve them when working on Computer B; music and photos from Computer B can be listened to/looked while sitting at Computer C; you can print, scan or fax a document with Computer C by using Computer A’s connection to a printer, scanner or fax. Networking computers can also mean the sharing CD burners, game systems, televisions and Internet connections. To learn computer networking for your home or office is therefore a worthwhile endeavor in the digital age.
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Strategies on Networking Computers
The type of computer network used varies depending on the specific needs of the user - there are city networks (Metropolitan Area Network), University and Industrial Park networks (Campus Area Networks), and data management networks (Storage Area Networks). Whether you’re a home based business with small business DSL or a huge office with a Fiber Ring connection, networking computers is key to your company’s success.
The Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest possible network and one that almost every computer user has. A PAN describes a single computer connected to various peripherals and devices, which are usually located within arm’s length of the computer.
Local Area Networks are used when networking 2 computers that are geographically near one another, such as in a home or office setting. A LAN can be wired, using cables, or wireless
(WLAN). LANs are very efficient, transmitting data as fast as 10 Gigabits per second.
Wide Area Networks (WAN) are a collection of LANs that cover large geographical areas. The Internet is the ultimate WAN.
A LAN is connected to a WAN by a router, which is a mechanical device that forwards data packets between computers and along networks. Obviously, wikipedia is a good source for more definitions on networking computers and sharing files. In addition, keep in mind that business wifi can be used in conjunction with networking computers at your business.
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Networking 2 Computers
When you’re networking 2 computers, the most basic LAN is between two computers. There are three main connection options. The first is to use special cables to attach the computers via the serial and parallel ports. The performance of this system is only fair, with much slower network speed. This configuration is not used for more than two computers.
In addition, networking 2 computers can also be achieved with USB cables specially designed for a direct connection. Again, performance is only fair.
Most local area networks use an Ethernet connection. Simply put, the Ethernet is a local area technology that connects devices using cable so they can communicate. An Ethernet cable plugs into the computer’s Network Interface Card
(NIC) and runs to either a hub or switch, depending on the preference of the owner. Switches are more expensive but are generally faster than hubs for networking computers like PCs or Macs.
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How does home networking work?
Let’s talk about networking home computers, whether it’s for your family, or a home based business...
Think of a hub as a dispatcher. When a packet of data arrives at a hub port from Computer A, it sends that packet to all the other computers of the LAN. But if two or more computers sent packets at the same time and the hub tried to forward the data simultaneously, there would a crash, like what would happen if the lights at an intersection were all green. When two packets arrive at the same time it’s called a collision. When collisions happen, the hub has to resolve the conflict, which slows down the computer networking.
Because hubs have to listen for collisions, data can
only flow one way at any given time, receiving or transmitting, which is
called operating at half duplex. So when networking home computers,
should one computer in the LAN download a large file, it can slow the
network down to a crawl.
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An Ethernet switch operates at full duplex, meaning it can
receive and transmit data simultaneously. When data is sent by
computers, it is broken up into small pieces called packets. Each packet
includes a header, which specifies where the data came from and where
it’s going. When the switch receives a packet, it reads the header to
find the destination address. Once it knows where the data is supposed
to go, the switch creates a temporary bridge between the computer
sending the data and the destination ports. After the packet is
forwarded, the switch ends the connection. A switch is simply an
electronic replacement for multiple crossover cables. The obvious
advantage of a switch is that there are no collisions so the speed of
transmission is much faster.
Residential LANs generally connect to the Internet via a
broadband modem provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as a
cable company like Time Warner or a telecom like AT&T. The modem is
given an IP address from the ISP. Internet Protocol, or IP, is the most
common system used to transmit data. An IP address is a unique number
given to every device on the Internet. Every computer on the home
network goes through a router to access the ISP.
Once the hardware is set up, operating system software is
used to configure the computers. For example, Microsoft includes
Internet Connection Sharing software package.
Wireless LANs use radio waves or infrared signals instead
of cables. Wired networks are usually preferred, though, because they
are more consistent and faster than wireless. They are also much more
visible since the cables need to run between computers.
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Computer Networking Support Options
There are many support options to troubleshoot problems when creating a LAN for networking 2 computers, or more. Hardware manufacturers offer online and call-in support. Computer companies like Dell provide FAQ pages and assistance via life technicians on computer chat. Operating system software suppliers, such as Microsoft, have twenty-four hour technical assistance available. By the way, many of these companies use Voice Over IP for their phone service, and iTelNe offers Voice Over IP service, as well as a variety of expandable phone systems for your business. And of course iTelNet offers a service for networking computers that is simple, inexpensive and effective.
If a home network is attached to the Internet, it’s important to install a firewall to protect the network from being hacked to protect files and personal information stored on the computers. Firewall can be either hardware or software-based. Norton and McAfee sell two of the most popular firewall software. ItelNet can help with your firewall installation, and all of your networking computer needs. For more info, call us at 1-800-677-0836, we look forward to servicing your telecommunication needs.
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