Networking Basics: What You Need To Know

When looking at networking basics, understanding the way a network operates is t

he first step to understanding routing and switching. The network operates by co
nnecting computers and peripherals using two pieces of equipment; switches and r
outers. Switches and routers, essential networking basics, enable the devices th
at are connected to your network to communicate with each other, as well as with
other networks.
Though they look quite similar, routers and switches perform very different func
tions in a network.
Networking Basics: Switches
* Switches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network within a
building or campus. For example, a switch can connect your computers, printers
and servers, creating a network of shared resources. The switch, one aspect of y
our networking basics, would serve as a controller, allowing the various devices
to share information and talk to each other. Through information sharing and re
source allocation, switches save you money and increase productivity.
There are two basic types of switches to choose from as part of your netwo
rking basics: managed and unmanaged.
o An unmanaged switch works out of the box and does not allow you to m
ake changes. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.
o A managed switch allows you access to program it. This provides grea
ter flexibility to your networking basics because the switch can be monitored an
d adjusted locally or remotely to give you control over networktraffic , and who
has access to your network.
Networking Basics: Routers
* Routers, the second valuable component of your networking basics, are used
to tie multiple networks together. For example, you would use a router to conne
ct your networked computers to the Internet and thereby share an Internet connec
tion among many users. The router will act as a dispatcher, choosing the best ro
ute for your information to travel so that you receive it quickly.
Routers analyze the data being sent over a network, change how it is packa
ged, and send it to another network, or over a different type of network. They c
onnect your business to the outside world, protect your information from securit
y threats, and can even decide which computers get priority over others.
Depending on your business and your networking plans, you can choose from
routers that include different capabilities. These can include networking basics
such as:
o Firewall: Specialized software that examines incoming data and prote
cts your business network against attacks
o Virtual Private Network (VPN): A way to allow remote employees to sa
fely access your network remotely
o IP Phone network : Combine your company's computer and telephone net
work, using voice and conferencing technology, to simplify and unify your commun
ications