The
standard network or LAN (local area network) technology is Ethernet. Used
by over 90% of large and small businesses, Ethernet is reliable,
easy-to-use and cost-efficient. Ethernet-based LANs can connect anywhere
from two computers to thousands. LANs are indeed "local" and span only
short distances, such as within an office, one or more floors in a
building or among buildings on a campus. Networks that span greater
distances are called wide-area networks (WANs).
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Small business LANs come in two basic configurations, or architectures.
Your LAN's architecture will determine how information is accessed and
stored on your network. In deciding which is right for your needs,
consider how many nodes (each computer, printer or other device connected
to the network is a node) you expect to have both currently and in the
foreseeable future. Also consider where and how you want to store your
files on your network and how much printing you expect to do.
Peer-to-peer networks
Peer-to-peer networks are simple and inexpensive. Each node connects to a
hub, thus forming the LAN. Every computer on the network is a peer, which
means each PC can share files and access the hard drive of any other
computer on the system. No one computer controls the network or has
priority over any other. Plus, all the software you need is built into
operating systems like the Mac OS and Windows 2000.
Peer-to-peer networks are not the most effective solution for accessing,
storing and backing up files. This is because files are distributed across
all the computers on the network rather than in a centralized location.
In
summary, peer-to-peer networks are:
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Simple
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Low-cost
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Easy to install
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Best for smaller offices (five nodes or less)
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Cost effective for sharing peripherals such as printers
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Cumbersome for finding, retrieving and storing files.
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Client/server network
This configuration adds a device called a server onto the network. A
server is a powerful network-ready computer with a large hard drive. It
“serves” the rest of the network as a central repository for applications
and files. By storing key resources on a server, all users can access them
quickly and conveniently. Employees, for example, can work with central
databases or spreadsheets so data is always available and updated. Plus,
you can back-up your data to the server quickly and dependably.
Client/server networks typically run Windows NT or Novell Netware as the
operating software for the network. This software controls the flow of
information on the LAN.
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A client/server architecture is the ideal strategy if you rely on
centralized applications such as databases, accounting and general ledger,
manufacturing, order entry or shipping. A client/server network also is
the logical choice if you have more than a handful of computers linked.
Employees will work with the same information and applications and
information can be kept current. Client/server networks are the preferred
strategy for most companies.
Client/server networks are:
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Slightly more expensive than peer-to-peer networks
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A
bit more complex to install
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More sophisticated and expandable
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Best for centralizing large applications and important data
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More effective for controlling and distributing resources to users
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Requires dedicated network operating software (like Windows NT or
Novell) to operate the server and interoperate with computers on the
network.
You can build a peer-to-peer network initially and add a server later, or
start with a client/server network.
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