A Brief Primer on LANs

One of the most important things small offices can do to increase their effectiveness is to create a local area network (LAN) to link their desktops together and share files, printers, Internet access and other resources. The following article is intended to give you the basic information you'll need to help you start planning for a network in your office. Having Computer Management Resources install the necessary wiring and software to create a network is easier than you imagine, and is within the reach of many organizations.

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A LAN is simply computers connected to each other by wiring that, with some software, enables the people using each computer to share information and resources. Whenever you connect two or more computers together and share resources like hard disk space (for common files), a printer, Internet access, or a backup system, you've created a LAN.

Who should install a LAN?

If two or more people have a routine need to share information and resources via their computers and your computers have the hardware and software necessary to form a network, you are a prime candidate to install a LAN. LANs definitely add a level of complexity to an office computer environment. Whether in a SOHO environment for one man/woman shop or a small to medium size organization, a LAN should be thought out and planned correctly to make it successful.

What can you do with a LAN?

Simply put, a LAN allows you to share resources. Instead of attaching a printer to each machine in your office (or passing a floppy from desk to desk), across a LAN you can share a single printer. Files that everyone in the office needs to access frequently can be kept on one central resource, and a backup routine can be implemented to ensure that these central files can be retrieved in case of trouble. With special software, a single modem and dial-up Internet account (or DSL/Cable) can be used by all computers on the LAN to gain access to email and the Web. LANs can reduce the amount of money you spend on extra equipment and associated costs, and can help improve the way people in your office collaborate.

Elements of a LAN

LANs have four basic components: wiring (to physically connect your machines), network interface cards (which allow your machine to connect to the wiring), hub/switch (to connect the wires and thus the computers together) and network software which allows your machines to share information). Here's an overview of each component:

1) Modern LANs generally use Ethernet wiring, the most popular variety of network wiring. Basic Ethernet wiring are bundled in a cable called "twisted pair" known as 10Base-T. 10Base-T wiring looks like phone wiring and is very flexible. It has a similar plug at the end. 10Base-T wiring is used when each computer connects back to a central network hub/switch.

2) Network Interface Cards (NICs). Your computer needs a network interface card to connect to the Ethernet wiring. Network cards are often offered as options on new Windows systems, and generally cost about $30 if you need to purchase them separately. To install a network card, you'll need to open your computer, slide a card into a slot, screw it into place, and then ensure that your operating system recognizes the card on your computer.

3) Network Hub/Switch. Once each computer has a network card installed and an Ethernet cable running from it, there needs to be a way to connect them all together. The network hub takes care of this. There are a number of different types, sizes and speeds to choose from, but the typical small office is served wonderfully with an 8-port 10/100mbps hub/switch from Netgear or Linksys. Hubs are slowly being phased out with switching hubs (commonly referred to as a "switch") which are becoming more and more affordable. Switches offer significantly better performance than a standard hub.

4) Network Software. Most machines in use today already have the software necessary to connect them with another computer; this capability is included into all versions of the Mac operating system, Windows 9x, XP, ME, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Windows 3.1 machines can be networked, but you will need additional software to do this.

Wireless LANs

Because of access space with hard wiring or not wanting to mar the furnishings of a SOHO, wireless lans are becoming increasingly popular.  Your internet connection goes to the wireless lan and then the signal is passed onto client computers that have been set up with wireless lan cards (nic cards).  The basic install includes 1 wireless router and up to 2 nic cards.  If your laptop has a wireless lan card installed and you already have a wireless router at home or office, you can used the laptop in any room you choose within ~200 feet.

Getting Started (and getting help)

These are merely the basics about local area networks, and hopefully this article gave you a sense of what LANs are, what you can do with them, and what you'll need to know to get started. For more information and free consultation, don't hesitate to call MBC, Inc., Computer Management Services at (803) 261-7866.

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