Networking 101

PC networks have come a long way since their inception. What was once the domain of large companies is now found in almost every home or office with more than 2 computers. The cost of this technology has dropped dramatically, as has the ease of its usage. Networks allow sharing printers, modems (cable or DSL), and external storage (USB drives, etc). However, there are a number of issues that should be addressed before you run out to the store and buy the first box you see with a tiny pair of antennae on it.

Wired vs. Wireless

There are advantages and disadvantages to both of the these network configurations. Most small offices use a combination of the two.

Wired networks offer greater security, generally greater speed (bandwidth) and are not as suseptible to interference. However, the cost of running cables through walls, floors and ceilings often makes this cost prohibitive.

Wireless networks offer greater ease of installation and portability for laptop users. Moving furniture, offices, or cubicles usually requires no network configuration at all. However, wireless networks require configuration to ensure they are secure:

1. SSID - The SSID (short for Service Set Identifier) is your network name, and should be unique to your company. By default, most network SSID's are named after the Access Point manufacturer - Linksys, DLink, etc. Changing the SSID helps prevent interfence with neighboring wireless networks. Your neighbor may have the same Wireless Access point - changing the SSID helps prevent interference
   
   
2. Broadcasting - By default, the SSID or network name is broadcast so your users can find the network. This is great if you're running a public network, like Starbucks or McDonalds; Not so great if you do not want to share your network
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3. Encryption - Most Wireless Access Points support either WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection) and/or WPA (WiFi Protected Access). In a nutshell, this is simply a password that your Access Point and your computers use to communicate to one another. This helps to prevents someone from simply parking in front of your office, and helping themselves to your network bandwidth.

There are other issues involved in setting up & configuring a wireless network - sharing external & internal drives, sharing printers, configuring users & passwords to provide additional security. If you have any questions about your office network, don't hesitate to give Atkins Technical Services a call.