Scott Roberts

PERS 2730

Mr. Lee

Computer Networking

Computer networking is a term used to describe the connection of two or more computers to each other. Networks allow computer users to exchange information. More specifically computer networks enable clients, users of a network, to share files, resources, and programs. Along with these significant capabilities, networks also allow users to communicate directly with one another. Computer networks may seem like monsters, but by understanding a few basic concepts, anyone can use and enjoy networks.

As with most everything that has to do with computers, there are many different network structures. Each one of these infrastructures has its own specific use. Each one also has its own hardware and software necessary to function.

The two most commonly used network types are Ethernet and wireless. Ethernet is a type of cabling which is often called CAT 5, which stands for category 5. This cable is made of four twisted pairs of small copper wires. Each pair is a different color, with one being solid and the other striped. The other type of network, wireless, uses newer technology which allows the computers within a network, called nodes, to connect to one another much the same way cellular phones operate. Many of the requirements for the two are the same, only the equipment necessary is extremely different.

Both types of networks require client-side hardware and software as well as a central point. Clients may be required to have cards for the PCs. In both cases, such cards are known as NICs or network interface cards. The difference in the two depends on the type of connectivity. Ethernet NICS have a receiver for a cable end known as an RJ-45 jack. These ends are slightly larder than a phone chord ends. Nonetheless, they have a strong resemblance. The NICs used by wireless networks do not have receiver jacks on them. However, they have small antennas which are tuned to their specified frequency. Both of these connection types also have hubs, switches, and routers with primarily the same differences as the NICs. All three of these devices can be used to connect multiple nodes on the network. As with the hardware and software, the infrastructures of the two network types are almost identical. Both can easily be configured to be part of LANs, WANs, P2P, or even VPNs.

LANs and WANs, local area networks and wide area networks respectively, are the most common structures used in business and home networks. As their names imply, these two structures are nearly identical except WANs cover a larger are. In a LAN, each node is connected to either a hub then a router or straight to a switch which combines the other two together. WANs are basically LANs connected through a medium such as the Internet. Both of these structures require the computers within them to meet certain qualifications in order to be able to communicate with other nodes on the network. Some of these include TCP/IP, transmission control protocol / internet protocol, settings which serves as an address for the computer, as well as subnets or networks within networks.

Peer-to-Peer, P2P, networks and Virtual Private Networks, VPNs, are also similar in the two forms. P2P means exactly what it implies. These networks connect one PC directly to another PC. In each of the connection types, the client hardware is the same and the hubs and routers are not even necessary. However, there are variations within both. Ethernet P2Ps require a special cable called a crossover. Crossover cables get their name from the process of swapping two pair of the pins. This allows the computers to communicate directly. Wireless P2Ps also require special configurations. They must be set as ad-hoc networks in the card settings. This setting enables the computer to differentiate in the communication the same way a crossover cable does. VPNs are much the same as WANs in that they connect through a medium such as the Internet. The most common use of VPNs is dialing in, connecting, to an office computer on a network, from home.

Despite their very numerable similarities, Ethernet networks and wireless networks are very different. Nonetheless, they both allow users to fully utilize the luxuries of having a network. Whether it is sending e-mails, documents, sharing printers or CD-ROM drives or even programs, computer networks have become vital portions of modern computing.