Networking

As the price of computers keep falling more than ever before companies large and small are converting their single independent computers to a "connected network" of computer users. This will enable individual computer users to become more productive by sharing their data and not duplicating this work. Passwords will keep sensitive information private while still enabling all users to access shared programs and data.

Are you ready for a network?

  • Do you have 2 or more computers?

  • Do 2 of your employees share one printer or fax machine?

  • Do your employees frequently need access to customer records, inventory or financial information?

  • Do your employees work regularly with large files?

  • Does your company have, or is planning to have, e-mail or Internet access? See our DIRECWAY solution.

  • Then you probably are ready for a network! Click here to have a technician call you.

What is a Network

Simply put, a network is computers, printers, faxes and other electronic devices linked with cables so all the pieces can "talk" and work together. When your network is connected, your employees and your customers are too.

Enjoy big business benefits and substantial savings, too.

  • According to a recent industry study, a network can make your business as much as 40% more productive in just a few short years. This number is based on three primary factors.

  • First, you'll see an increase in personal productivity. When your office is connected, your people are too. So everyone has quicker, more convenient access to the resources they need. With office-wide links to the Internet, employees can conduct research and exchange information with each other and with key customers throughout the world. Being connected means there's no more running around trading floppy disks, waiting to print at a designated printer, or having to use someone else's computer to access a database.

  • Second, a network trims your communications budget. Exchanging information electronically can reduce paper, postage and overnight delivery fees. You can also lower phone bills with automatic faxing during off-peak hours. If you're linked to the Internet, your whole office can share a single Internet connection instead of paying for monthly individual accounts.

  • And third, networking saves you money by letting you defer expensive equipment purchases. You won't have to buy that extra printer or additional fax machine when it's so easy to share what you've already got.

Calculating networking benefits

Add up the savings

  • Increased employee productivity

  • Reduced communication costs

  • Reduced office equipment costs

Deduct expenses

  • Network components, installation, maintenance costs

 Result

  • Substantial business benefits

 

Networking Hardware Overview

Network Card
A card for a PC that connects the computer to the network. Includes networking software drivers to support popular network software.

Hub
If more than two devices are to be networked, a hub is the central device into which all networks cables are connected. Hubs typically connect from 4-24 devices and can be "stacked" or "cascaded" together for more capacity.

Switch
Used to segment networks into smaller connected subnets. Networks can easily overload: switching them into separate subnets can enhance performance easily and inexpensively while preserving existing investments.

Router
Link local network to some form of remote network. Used for Internet access, LAN-to-LAN connections of a wide area (intranet), or high speed remote access for a user or a branch office over an ISDN line.

Which network is right for you?

You have two types of network configurations to choose from peer-to-peer and client-server. Your choice depends on the number of nodes (PCs, printers and other devices) you want to connect and the types of software applications you work with. Either solution can be upgraded as your networking needs change.

Node

A computer, printer, server, modem, fax machine, auxiliary hard drive or any other device connected to a network.

 

Peer-to-peer network

  • If you have five or less nodes to connect, you'll probably want a peer-to-peer network. In this configuration, a single string of computers are connected together. A central controlling device called a hub is a recommended option. 

  • Each computer is an equal or "peer" of the others, and can share files and peripherals connected to the network. While a peer-to-peer network is a low-cost, easy-to-install solution, it is not as efficient for sharing large and complex files, such as databases or graphics.

Client-server network

  • If you have six or more nodes to connect, and work with large files like databases or information that is updated frequently, your best choice is a client-server network.

The presence of a central computer, or server, in this configuration gives you several advantages. Because files are stored in a single location, they're easier to update, back up, and archive with dependable results.

The server itself is typically a high-performance computer that ensures speedy data access and delivery, and gives your business the platform to add capabilities such as centralized accounting and inventory management software.

Click here to have a technician call you.