Wireless vs Wired

Wireless vs Wired
There are two kinds of network technologies

1> Wireless - communicates through radio waves
2>Wired - communicates through data cables (most commonly Ethernet-based)

Why choose a wireless network?

Wireless networks don't use cables for connections, but rather they use radio waves, like cordless phones. The advantage of a wireless network is the mobility and freedom from the restriction of wires or a fixed connection. The benefits of having a wireless network include

Mobility and freedom - work anywhere
No restriction of wires or a fixed connection
Quick, effortless installation
No cables to buy
Save cabling time and hassle
Easy to expand

Also known as Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, wireless networks allow you to use your network devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. You can check your e-mail or surf the Internet on your laptop anywhere in your house. There is no need to drill holes in the wall and install Ethernet cables. You can network anywhere - without wires. Outside your home, wireless networking is available in public "hotspots," such as coffee shops, businesses, hotel rooms, and airports. This is perfect for those of you who do a lot of traveling.

Why choose a wired network?

Wired networks have been around for decades. Wired networking technology found today is known as Ethernet. The data cables, known as Ethernet network cables or wired (CAT5) cables, connect computers and other devices that make up the networks. Wired networks are best when you need to move large amounts of data at high speeds, such as professional-quality multimedia. The benefits of having a wired network include

Relatively low cost
Offers the highest performance possible
Faster speed - standard Ethernet cable up to 100Mbps.

Client & Protocol

Client & Protocol

Every networked computer can communicate with each other through a type of software that is already included with your computer's operating system, such as Windows. The software runs in the background and plays an integral role in specifying the "techie" aspects of networking. Client and protocol are two important components in networking software.

Client - The software that provides your computer with access to the network's services. The computer that requests the information from a network is usually referred to as the client. For example, when you are surfing the Internet, your computer makes client requests to receive a Web site from somewhere in the U.S. or anywhere around the world

Protocol - This is the language that the computers use to communicate with each other. The industry standard in networking today is called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Along with your home network, it is the same protocol used most commonly on the Internet.

LAN & WAN

LAN & WAN

There are many different types of networks that range in size and proximity. Most can be categorized into one of two basic groups: local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)

A local area network (LAN) is a group of networked computers, printers, or other hardware devices that are all connected relatively close to each other like an office, home, or school. It allows connected users to share files, printers, or other applications. Whether as small as two computers or much larger in size, a LAN's major purpose is to allow users to share information quickly and easily.

A wide area network (WAN) is a group of networked computers in a much larger geographical area, such as a state or country. The best example of a WAN is the Internet, which spans the entire world. A router connects your personal LAN to the WAN using a type of networking protocol called TCP/IP.

There are two types of networks to choose from - wired and wireless. You need to determine which one best fits your home network, or you can even combine the two. Keep in mind that both has its advantages as well as disadvantages.

Networking Basics

Networking basics

What is a Network ?A network is a group of desktop or laptop computers (and other hardware devices, such as printers) that is connected together with the primary purpose of communicating and exchanging data. Networking is all about sharing, and it allows your computers to connect to the Internet, talk to each other, and share resources like files and printers

Benefits of Networking

Networking adds a lot of flexibility in the way you work and spend time with your computers and electronic devices. With a network, you can:

1) Share a high-speed, broadband cable or DSL Internet connection so everyone can surf the web simultaneously

2) Access your own private e-mail account while others cruise the web

3) Share all types of files, including music, digital pictures, and documents

4) Store your library of music, pictures, and files all in one place

5) View your digital pictures and listen to your music anywhere in the house

6) Secure your computers against Internet threats, like viruses and worms

7) Enjoy multiplayer and head-to-head gaming with friends or family from any room in the house

8) Enjoy gaming over the Internet with someone anywhere in the world

9) Save money and time by sharing printers, scanners and other peripherals

10) Share storage space and access files on another computer through your LAN (local area network) when your hard drive is full.