The Principles of Computer networking
Whether you want to connect a few PC’s for file sharing and printer access or you wish to connect several business sites, using a Chicago computer networking professional can help you achieve your goal. On a larger scale, these networks can be used to comprise a wide area network (WAN) which encompasses a larger geographical space. At a local level a local area network or (LAN) can be used to connect computers and devices that are in the same physical location. This article goes over LAN technology to give you a better grasp of local area networks.
The Scope of Local Computer Networks
Local area networks can be used for many purposes including shared Internet access, file sharing, print sharing and several collaborative applications. LANs can be protected using firewalls which will limit the users that are authorized to enter your network from outside of the building.
There is both a technical and software based implementation to a local network, varying according to the setup. Often the devices on the LAN are connected via a wireless or wired connection to a single point such as a network switch. Importantly, companies and households are allowed to set individual computer level access to the network, ensuring that users only have access to the files and applications intended for their user. These features are very helpful limiting access to confidential data or keeping children off of the Internet when un-supervised.
Many companies have an intranet which allows multiple users to access shared services via a portal application. Internet access can be limited to keep employees or children off of websites that are not business related or appropriate.
Proper LAN Setup
On your LAN you can easily setup shared services such as file and print sharing. Devices can either be connected via a wireless router or hardwired using ethernet cabling. With advances in firewall technology and wireless encryption, many firms now rely upon wireless connectivity exclusively.
Computers that are authorized on the network transparently log into a shared router. The shared router is password protected and all access that does not include the key is denied. Most networks offer a shared repository of files and data that can be easily shared with many users. With file sharing hierarchies it’s possible to implement safeguards to ensure your data is protected and only visible to authorized users. Network administrators can connect even to users outside of the building to troubleshoot problems and keep your technology running smootly.
