Networking Basics

A Network is a collection of components that are able to communicate with each other.

Before you can start connecting computers together, and to the internet you need a basic understanding of networking technologies and components.

The main things you need to understand are:

  • Network Terminology
  • Networking Components
  • Computer/Network Addressing

 Networking Terminology or Common Terms

The main ones are:

  • Connection Media
  • Connection Technology or Connection access Mechanism
  • Networking Protocols

Connection Media

This basically means how the computers are physically connected. The most common being Unshielded twisted pair (UTP), and wireless.

Connection Technology or Connection Access Mechanism

This is the way that data is packaged together for transmission over the media. The most common access mechanisms are Ethernet and WI-FI.

Most computers that you purchase today come  with the ability to use both.

Here is a screen shot of a Laptop computer showing the technical specifications. I’ve highlighted the networking details.
Technical-specs-laptop-networking
This becomes important when purchasing hardware like network cards,cables, routers etc.

Although I will be covering Ethernet in more detail in the future it is not necessary that you understand the technical details of how Ethernet works in order to setup you own home network.

WiFI based networks/connections can be a little tricky to set up if they are secured.

When setting up the network initially it is usual to have an unsecured network as it makes setup very easy. You can always secure it later when you are happy that it is working ok.

See The Wi-Fi and Wireless Networking section for more details

Networking Protocols and Addresses

This is how the data is packaged for transmission between multiple computers. The most common, and the only one used today in office, home networks and on the Internet is TCP/IP.

The important thing you need to understand about TCP/IP is the addressing and how you set up your devices to use it.

See Understanding Network Addessing (IP Addresses) for more details.

 Wired vs Wireless Networking

Early (pre 2008) home networks were predominately wired with usually a single computer connected to the Internet.

However wireless networking is probably the main form of networking for most home networks installed after around 2008.

Wired and wireless aren’t mutually exclusive and you will find many networks that use a mixture of both.

Wired Networks and the following advantages/disadvantages:

Wired Networks Advantages:

  • Ethernet ports are found on almost all laptops/PCs and netbooks even on those 8 years old.
  • Networks are faster than Wireless. Data rates were periodically increased from the original 10 megabits per second, to 100 gigabits per second. Most home networks use 10-100Mbps.

Wired Networks Disadvantages

  • Need to Use cable which can be unsightly,difficult to run and expensive.
  • Can’t be used easily between buildings (planning etc).
  • Note a new technology that uses mains cable overcomes many of these disadvantages.

See Home Wired Network Basics

Wireless Networks Advantages

  • Generally easier to set up.
  • Can be used both on home and public networks
  • No need to located a physical connection point
  • No cables required

Wireless Networks Disadvantages

  • Generally Slower than wired networks
  • Limited by range
  • Open to eavesdropping
  • Not as secure depending on set up

See- Wi-Fi and Wireless Networking

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