What is a Network?

Put simply a network is a method of connecting one or more devices and allowing the sharing of resources. These can be connected by a distance of a few centimetres (Blue tooth mobile phones) or by many thousands of miles (The Internet).

Why would I need a Network?

Business

Using a network in a business environment has many benefits, for example allowing the sharing client files and peripherals such as printers between many employees.

Networks also bring benefits when it comes to the internet and email. If you were to have no means of connecting each machine to the internet at the same time you would have to invest in either multiple connections to the internet or have one connection on one workstation shared between all of your employees. This is obviously not the best use of their time. The simplest way to resolve this is to have all of the machines networked together and place the internet connection on the network, through a device called a router.

 

At Home

You might be wondering why on earth you would want or need a network at home. The answer is simple and is mainly for the same reasons that business have computer networks, although a "Home Network" as they have been termed does not need to be as complex as that of office networks. The main reason for take up of networks in the home is because people are starting to have more than one computer and want to share the connection to the internet at the same time.

How does this all connect together?

Networks have to be connected and the two main ways are:

1. Hard wired through cables
2. Wireless devices

Hard wired network cables offer the best in terms of performance and investment as they are capable of carrying much more data and at faster speeds than wireless devices that are currently on the market.

Wireless networks do not make use of cables instead they use radio signals to communicate. The problem with this is that they need to be secured in order to stop anybody else from seeing intercepting your data. They also have a limited range (can be improved with replacement aerials) and do not penetrate walls easily.

How do I know what I need?

Simple:

1. Decide what you want to achieve
2. Contact Us
3. We will provide you with a plan to achieve your aims
4. We install and configure your chosen system

For Business users we would normally recommend the installation of network cables as these will provide additional benefits such as VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) which allows phone calls to be placed over the internet. This of course does not mean you can not have a wireless network as well it is perfectly possible to mix and match.

Still not sure?

For more information and advice please contact us