Top Page 1


	Your Security Solution Provider!	Search This Site:

WHAT IS A NETWORK?

A network is a way to link computers together so they can share information and hardware.

Many people are already using a network without realizing it.

The internet is a network allowing you to view and share information with people around the world, this type of network is commonly classed as a "WAN" or Wide Area Network.

We can of course advise you and help you to get connect to the internet via the multitude of options available on the market today. For example ISDN / ADSL / 56kbs Modem / Leased Lines / T1 / Wireless etc.

Rather than trying to baffle you with technology we work with you to decide what option is best for you, we do not currently have any links with other ISP's so our advice is truly independent.

We can also show you the benefits of a Local Area Network.

WHAT IS A LOCAL AREA NETWORK?

To help you understand what a Local Area Network can do for your business or home we will go through a sample scenario for a small business.

"YOUR BUSINESS" is a fictional small company,

Currently they have the computer equipment shown in the picture below.

Currently the people without a printer have to use a floppy disk to copy the files to a machine with a printer attached to it.

When they send a fax they have to print it and then walk to the fax machine and send it manually.

They also do not have access to the internet or E-mail.

The people without a printer are finding that they are waiting for the computer to become free to print their documents and are considering purchasing an additional printer to resolve this.

They also need to start using email to communicate with their customers.

--

Rather than spending money on a printer, why not utilize the three printers you have already by networking them together?

CompNet Pro suggested two configurations.

This configuration is called a Peer to Peer network , as there is no central control over access rights and printers etc. but it does allow for a quick and simple method of sharing existing hardware ,

in this example ...

· all of the computers can print to all of the printers,

· All of the computers can send faxes directly

· All of the computers can share files / documents etc...
(eliminating the floppy copy)

· All of the computers can access the internet.

· All of the computers can send and receive E-Mail.

The only minor complication on this network is the Apple Mac, It had to have some software installed on it to allow it to see the Windows PC's and share the printers etc.

If the company wanted a more secure and manageable system we would recommend the following ...

This example is called a "Client Server network" ,

The server takes the load of each of the normal pc and also allows for central security and data backup policies.

Although this solution requires more hardware,
it allows for easy expansion and will allow your business network to grow securely and in a manageable way.

Using a network of this type provides the following features.

· Data Sharing

· Fax Sending

· Email Sending

· Controlled Internet Access

· Printer Sharing

· Expandability

· Manageability

This was just an example configuration for a fictional client
If you think there might be a benefit to your company by networking your PC's
we would welcome the opportunity to talk to you. Contac Us for your Free Consultation!