Networking

 

Find out more about the types of networking currently associated with personal computers and how to find them and do them

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There are many different types of networking currently associated with personal computers. Here are some of the most common:

• Local area networks (LANs) connect computers within a small geographic area, such as an office building or home. LANs are typically used to share resources, such as printers, files, and internet access.

Here are the steps to set up a Local Area Network (LAN):

1. Determine your network needs: Count the number of computers you need to hardwire and decide if you want to create a wireless network. Determine if you want all network devices to have internet access and measure the distances for all hardwired devices.
2. Gather your network hardware: To create a LAN, you’ll need a router or switch, which will act as the hub of your network. These devices route information to the correct computers.
3. Set up your router: You don’t need to do much to set up a router for a basic LAN. Just plug it into a power source, preferably close to your modem if you plan on sharing the internet connection through it
4. Connect a computer to an Ethernet port: Connect one of your computers to an Ethernet port on the router using an Ethernet cable
5. Configure the router from that computer: Open a web browser on the connected computer and enter the router’s IP address into the address bar. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the router
6. Set up a DHCP server: This will allow the router to automatically assign IP addresses to devices connected to the network
7. Set up file and printer sharing: This will allow devices on the network to share files and access shared printers1.
8. Set up the wireless network (optional): If you want to allow devices to connect wirelessly, follow the instructions in your router’s manual to set up a wireless network.
9. Connect all other computers to the network: Connect all other computers and devices to the network using Ethernet cables or by connecting them wirelessly

• Metropolitan area networks (MANs) connect computers within a larger geographic area, such as a city or a suburb. MANs are typically used to provide high-speed internet access to businesses and consumers.

Here are the steps on how to fix a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

1. Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem with the MAN. This may involve checking the following:

   • The status of the network devices: Are the routers, switches, and other network devices up and running?
   • The network cables: Are the cables damaged or disconnected?
   • The network configuration: Are the IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways correct?
   • The network traffic: Is there too much traffic on the network?
   • The MAN provider: Is the MAN provider experiencing outages or congestion?

2. Troubleshoot the problem: Once you have identified the problem, you can start to troubleshoot it. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you troubleshoot MAN problems.

3. Fix the problem: Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can fix it. This may involve the following:

   • Reconfiguring the network devices: If the network configuration is incorrect, you may need to reconfigure the network devices.
   • Replacing damaged cables: If the network cables are damaged, you may need to replace them.
   • Upgrading the network hardware: If the network hardware is outdated, you may need to upgrade it.
   • Reducing network traffic: If there is too much traffic on the network, you may need to reduce it.
   • Contacting the MAN provider: If the MAN provider is experiencing outages or congestion, you may need to contact them for assistance.

4. Test the network: Once you have fixed the problem, you should test the network to make sure it is working properly. You can do this by trying to access shared files and printers on the network. You can also try to connect to the internet.

If the network is still not working properly, you may need to contact a network engineer for help.

Here are some additional tips for fixing MANs:

• Keep your network documentation up to date. This will make it easier to troubleshoot problems.
• Use a network management system to monitor your network. This will help you to identify problems before they cause outages.
• Back up your network regularly. This will help you to recover from data loss.
• Have a disaster recovery plan in place. This will help you to restore your network in the event of a disaster.

• Wide area networks (WANs) connect computers over a large geographic area, such as a country or the world. WANs are typically used to connect businesses and organizations with their customers and partners.

Here are the steps on how to fix a Wide Area Network (WAN):

1. Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem with the WAN. This may involve checking the following:

   • The status of the network devices: Are the routers, firewalls, and other network devices up and running?
   • The network cables: Are the cables damaged or disconnected?
   • The network configuration: Are the IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways correct?
   • The network traffic: Is there too much traffic on the network?
   • The WAN provider: Is the WAN provider experiencing outages or congestion?

2. Troubleshoot the problem: Once you have identified the problem, you can start to troubleshoot it. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you troubleshoot WAN problems.

3. Fix the problem: Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can fix it. This may involve the following:

   • Reconfiguring the network devices: If the network configuration is incorrect, you may need to reconfigure the network devices.
   • Replacing damaged cables: If the network cables are damaged, you may need to replace them.
   • Upgrading the network hardware: If the network hardware is outdated, you may need to upgrade it.
   • Reducing network traffic: If there is too much traffic on the network, you may need to reduce it.
   • Contacting the WAN provider: If the WAN provider is experiencing outages or congestion, you may need to contact them for assistance.

4. Test the network: Once you have fixed the problem, you should test the network to make sure it is working properly. You can do this by trying to access shared files and printers on the network. You can also try to connect to the internet.

If the network is still not working properly, you may need to contact a network engineer for help.

Here are some additional tips for fixing WANs:

• Keep your network documentation up to date. This will make it easier to troubleshoot problems.
• Use a network management system to monitor your network. This will help you to identify problems before they cause outages.
• Back up your network regularly. This will help you to recover from data loss.
• Have a disaster recovery plan in place. This will help you to restore your network in the event of a disaster.

There are a number of ways to find and do networking for personal computers. Here are a few options:

• Join a local computer networking group: There are many local computer networking groups that meet regularly to discuss networking topics and share resources. These groups can be a great way to learn about networking and find people who can help you with your networking needs.
• Take a networking class: There are many networking classes available online and in person. These classes can teach you the basics of networking and help you develop the skills you need to set up and manage your own network.
• Read networking books and articles: There are many networking books and articles available that can teach you about networking. These resources can be a great way to learn about specific networking topics or to get a general overview of networking.

Once you have learned about networking, you can start setting up your own network. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Choose a networking topology: There are many different networking topologies available, such as star, bus, and ring. Each topology has its own advantages and disadvantages.
2. Purchase networking hardware: You will need to purchase networking hardware, such as routers, switches, and cables.
3. Configure your networking hardware: You will need to configure your networking hardware to connect your computers to the network.
4. Install networking software: You will need to install networking software on your computers. This software will allow your computers to communicate with each other and with the internet.

Once you have set up your network, you can start using it to share resources, such as printers, files, and internet access. You can also use your network to connect to other networks, such as the internet.