Links and Networking » SOLUTIONS

Common Networking Topologies

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:03:18 +0000

What is a network topology? It’s simply the geography or layout of a network. Which type is best for a particular environment depends on a number of factors, including the number of computers (nodes) on the network and the geographical area. This article examines the most common computer networking topologies.

Duration : 0:2:8

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How to Secure Your Wireless Network

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:23:12 +0000

Wireless technology has revolutionized home networking in the past few years. However, because of increasing signal strength, wireless signals will often extend farther than the boundaries of your home and may be picked up by other computers—sometimes as much as two or three blocks away! Because of this, it’s essential that you secure your wireless network properly. The following are tips on how to do this.

The first and easiest task is turn firewalls on. This includes computers on the wireless network as well as on your router. Almost all computers with wireless capabilities will have the option to turn on and off a firewall. Make sure that each computer has its own unique user name and password.

All wireless routers, via a standard IP address, allow you access and set up the equipment. Here, you enter your network address and other important information. Be sure to change the default username and password that allows you to access this page. And don’t forget to write down your changes!

Every computer accessing a wireless router will have a MAC address. One technique to secure your network is to only allow computers with certain MAC addresses to access the network. If you only have a few computers, this shouldn’t be a time consuming process.

Duration : 0:1:41

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First Steps in Computer Networking — Get it Together

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:19:58 +0000

Computer networking can be a tricky. With different devices and protocols, things can get mixed up rather quickly. However, learning the basics should be manageable for the average computer user. Below explains the first networking building block—connecting computers to the network.

Until recently, the most common way to connect computers directly was with an Ethernet cable, or an Ethernet cable via a hub. However, wireless technologies make connecting even easier. Instead of a cable, think of a wireless network as having invisible, or radio signal, cables.

To connect computers in a wireless network, even if you don’t have an internet connection, can be done very easily—no router required. If the computers have Wi-Fi devices, whether built in or added, you can create an “ad-hoc” wireless network by configuring the computers to ad-hoc mode.

Duration : 0:2:46

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Why Insight for Cisco Network Switches?

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:37:36 +0000

Insight is one of the leading networking solution providers in North America bringing unmatched expertise in strategic solution areas network infrastructure, unified communications and security.

Duration : 0:2:31

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Designing a Small Business Network

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:32:18 +0000

Any small business that has more than one computer should have a network. A network allows all computers to connect and share data between each other, share an internet connection and share peripherals such as printers and fax machines.

The average small business network will require devices to connect to each other and access the internet. While many businesses still use wired local area networks (LANs), wireless networks are becoming increasingly popular. However, many modern businesses combine the two. Based on this model, the primary features of the network should be as follows:

Wired Local Area Network (LAN) – This will connect all desktops, peripherals and servers. It’s possible to make the connection via a hub. However, the best option is to use switches where information is only sent to the intended recipient on the network. Switches use MAC—hardware—addresses to identify where information should be sent. Because devices are connected by Ethernet cable, transfer speeds are generally very fast.

Duration : 0:7:8

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The Future of Wireless Networking

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:23:57 +0000

When it comes to networking, the future is wireless. As the technology develops and transfer speeds increase, it looks increasingly likely that wireless will replace Ethernet in most home and small business networks. In this article, I look at how far wireless networking has come and at what the future holds.

There is little doubt that wireless is the way of the future. In fact, it has already made its way into many homes and businesses. If you own a laptop with wireless capabilities, you already know all the handy wireless hotspots in your local area. While you still have to pay for some of these services, increasingly business like cafes and restaurants are offering free Wi-Fi to attract customers.

Wireless is also becoming the medium of choice for the average home network. Most if not all internet service providers (ISPs) offer wireless routers with their packages for a few extra dollars. Also, you will be hard pushed to find a desktop or laptop computer manufactured in the last couple of years that does not have wireless capabilities. So, wireless is both cheap and easy to set up in the home.

The same is true for small businesses. The average wireless router’s signal will cover enough area for most small offices. Wireless networking also cuts out the cost of installing and maintaining Ethernet cables. And, of course, it is much neater.

Duration : 0:4:4

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Common Types of Computer Networks

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:23:41 +0000

Computer network design can range from simple to very complex. Networking can be as simple as connecting two computers, or a computer and a printer, while more complex networks can involve the connection of millions of computers and devices.

Duration : 0:2:17

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7 Rules for Social Networking Marketing Effectiveness

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:23:27 +0000

Social networking is rapidly becoming the most preferred Web 2.0 marketing tool. If you are engaged in selling your products or services online, there is plenty you can do with social networking sites to promote your business.

However, the possibilities are accompanied by inevitable pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to raise your effectiveness when using social networking sites.

Rule #1 – One site or many: While many organizations prefer to maintain their presence on several social networking sites, it can take up considerable amount of time as well as staff resources. Determine the amount of time you can spend updating your profile on each site. It’s far more effective to spend extra time and energy maintaining a high profile on one, well-chosen site rather than spend precious hours juggling different operating platforms on too many different sites.

If you do choose to maintain a presence on multiple sites, make sure you assign a full-time staff to regulate your various profiles. This could include posting comments on other member’s pages, inviting other people to become friends, or accepting other friend’s requests. In the absence of regular care, your web page is sure to languish.

Duration : 0:8:14

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Choosing the Right Network Hardware

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:32:30 +0000

In the jargon filled world of networking, getting your head around the different types of hardware required can be a challenge. Bridges, routers, switches and repeaters—what does it all mean? This article takes you through the basics of networking hardware.

Duration : 0:2:25

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Top Tips on Network Router Configuration

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:32:19 +0000

If you want to set up your own network, and you have multiple computers, you will need to set up a router. Cable (wired) routers, while still legitimate, are quickly becoming obsolete so this article focuses on wireless routers.

Most retail wireless routers will cover a large area in your home or office. However, to cut down on cable usage, you may want to place the router as close to your modem as possible. Your modem will have a phone line connection so it will be less mobile. Ideally, you would want your modem and router to be one device. Many ISPs will give you a modem/router but you’ll have to request it.

Wireless routers have built-in installation software that you connect with and use via an internet browser. You don’t need an internet connection to configure your wireless router. In fact, you can setup a network without an internet connection at all.

Duration : 0:1:31

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