By PANU KASAR
When I was in computer school we used a network where all our individual computers were connected to a master computer called a server.
Students were each given a username and password which gives privilege to use network resources.
The server controls the network allowing users to use network printers, email facilities and access shared documents such as music or soft wares.
Basically this is the function of simple network.
It all started when someone realised that since organizations now depend more on computers connecting them would be much more convenient.
Actually communication and sharing of resources is the main objective that networking addresses.
Today every second at peak business hours millions of email race around the globe at speeds no other form of communication can achieve.
Networking is the connecting of computers by means of physical cabling or wireless means for communication and sharing of resources.
The internet is just an example of a very large worldwide network of computers. Networking uses a computer language called TCP/IP.
This language creates a common platform where machine great and small of all sorts of design communicate with each other.
The TCP/IP protocol also connects devices such as printers, scanners and cameras to the network.
Just like telephones with unique numbers, computers on a network are located by unique tags called IP addresses.
Every computer on the network has an IP address.
In fact the website addresses of internet sites are IP addresses in user friendly readable form.
When you type it into the browser the machine converts it into an IP address.
This technology has made the internet one of modern man’s greatest achievements.
Networking has made the entire world a single entity which we now call the internet (see next week’s article).
The connecting of computers has increased productivity at all levels of organisational businesses.
When individual computers connect to a central data base administration becomes effective.
Databases with important updated information now can be accessed by people who need information and updated by data operators.
Networking also makes system administrators save time through remote assistance.
All functions are now done at the server instead on the individual PC’s.
Networking can be done in many different types of design.
A network managed by a small organisational setup consisting of several buildings or in a single building is called a LAN (Large Area Network).
A LAN is what most busineses prefer these days.
A LAN can also be divided into small sections called Workgroups.
These could represent Departments in an organisation.
When different LAN’s are combined together you have a WAN (Wide Area Network). WAN’s are usually used by large institutions who manage large databases.
A WAN could be made up of LAN’s in different provinces or even in different countries. SP Brewery’s WAN stretches right to its Asian headquarters.
A banking system is an example of a well designed Wide Area Network.
See BSP branches systems as LAN’s and the entire System as a WAN.
The WAN stores data in an ordered archive and retrieves it for organisational use.
The BSP network uses PC’s at its branches and custom built computers at retail outlets. ATM’s and EFTPOS machines are in fact custom built computers on the large BSP WAN.
That is why you can access your savings and make transaction anywhere as long as the machine is connected to the WAN.
The telephone system is also a large network which transmits analogue and digital data using a conversion instrument called a modem.
Now it starts to make sense.
Most of us have been using these networks without knowing.
See how this concept has revolutionised the world.
Networks that store large data need qualified IT personnel to manage and design to suit the organisation that uses it.
Software has to be updated now and then.
This keeps anti viruses secure and better equip to detect virus treats.
If data is going to be accessed and updated regularly and often then the topology must be accurate.
Topology is the design of data transmission, be it cable or wireless.
Fibre Optic cables are used for real time fast transmission networks where live conferencing is facilitated.
The system administrator must be well aware of software compatability issues and the availability of newer software versions.
There is also a design called VPN short for Virtual Private Network.
This allows people to connect to their local LAN from a remote location using the internet.
The public network such as the internet becomes a dedicated route which establishes links to the local LAN.
The data sent is encrypted and sent to avoid security breaches along the public route.
This works just like using the network at the geographical LAN location.
VPN’s are configured during network designing again it depends on the preference and need of the organisation using the network.
If the business employs sales people who are always on the road then VPN is a good option.
Wireless networking is also becoming popular in most businesses in
This design is no different to cabled network.
Daltron’s Air spot is an example of wireless internet which is now becoming popular. TelikomPNG’s VSAT technology has now become the main infrastructure used in wireless technology.
UPNG Physics Department is one of the many organisations in the city who have implemented wireless networking in their existing infrastructure.
The set-up is simple: configure a server and add wireless adapters to the network.
In most cases it is just an extension of a cabled network.
Users using PC’s or laptops have to be in the network coverage to access the network.
Networking is the way forward in modern organisational productivity.
It is economical if properly designed and administered by constant updating of infrastructure as well the qualification of the people managing it.
Get yours done if your organisation’s computer infrastructure is in stand alone mode. You won’t regret it, it will take you miles.
Have a wonderful week.
Feedback email: pkasar@mail.com
Panu Kasar
Operations Manager
Itel PNG Microtech Ltd
PH: (675) 325 8912
…The PC Clinic...
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