Networking - Knowing The Basics

Networking is something you just can't do without if you run a white collar business. Read on to get introduced to basic terms used in networking such as routers, switch, hub, modems, firewall etc. Also get tipped on buying the equipment.

Accepted. You can hire networking professionals any time you need their services. You can employ them permanently or outsource the task. However, if you know the basics of networking yourselves, or at least the basic terms used, it won't hurt your interests. Rather, it will help you tackle things in better ways.

Routers

The device transfers data packets to their destinations through the routing process. It is essential for all the networks as it provides the connection between the Local Area Network (LAN) and the Wide Area Network (WAN). A router is connected to data lines from different networks. When data arrives, the router determines the destination and directs the packet using the router policy. Large routers are used for interconnecting various Internet Service Providers (ISP's) while small routers offer connectivity for typical home and office networks.

Switch

Switch connects network segments using the logic of a Network bridge but allowing a physical and logical star topology. The device is commonly used for forwarding and filtering data packets, operating at layer two of the open systems interconnection reference model. There are multilayer switches as well, that process data at the network layer 3.

Hub

People often use the term 'hubs' for 'switches'. However, hub is a simpler device that lets data pass through it but does not interfere with the data. This means that data sent through a hub is accessible to all devices on a network. Although the switches perform better than the hubs due to their capability of handling the data and filtering it, the hubs are cost effective. People use hubs in smaller networks.

Modems

A modem is needed to connect a network to the Internet. The device modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and vice versa, enabling signal transmission that enables original digital data. Most businesses and home use a cable/ADSL modem that provides speeds of up to 10 Mbps by ethernet. These modems are quite popular, USB modems and dial-up modems are still used.

Wireless / Cable

Various components of the network are connected to each other by wireless or cable. Currently, ethernet cable is faster of the two and large business networks prefer to use it for high data transfer speeds. However, wireless cable is vastly improving as well and it is expected that its efficiency will only increase with time.

Firewalls

Hardware firewall devices are used by business networks which store ample sensitive information. All outside information is passed through the firewall before it reaches the main switch of the network. If configured appropriately by a network professional, the device provides all the security needed by a business. It can be supplemented with a software firewall protection to boost security.

Cisco is the most prominent name when it comes to manufacturing of networking equipment. However, brand new Cisco equipment come quite expensive which prompts the people to use used Cisco equipment. Sourced from reliable providers with own repairing and checking facilities, used networking equipment is as efficient as the new one.