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Network Adapter Cards
Network Adapter Cards (also called Network Interface Cards, or NICs) are the first and most basic item needed to begin your network.
Some newer computers have cards already built into the system. If your computer does not, you can add one of these small PC boards to your computer in a matter of minutes. The cards install into a slot on your motherboard, just like a sound card or modem card. Several types are available; make sure you get the one made for your computer type. Your adapter card supplier can advise you on what type will work with your computer.
A network interface card provides the necessary link between your computer and your network. It converts your data into a format that an Ethernet network can accept and read. These small cards contain the connectors needed to link your computer to either a hub or another computer.
Configuration software comes with the adapter to enable your computer type to work with the network. NIC cards are available in 10 Mbps and dual function 10/100 Mbps cards. Dual function 10/100 Mbps cards are the most cost effective if you are connecting to a 10 Mbps network now but planning to move to a Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps network in the near future.
Hubs
Hubs (also called a wiring hub, or concentrator) are the central connectivity point in a star network, workgroup or subnet. A hub allows each node to communicate with all other connected nodes. Connected nodes provide their own power, and the hub has its own power supply. Hub status lights help to monitor the network. Most hubs are plug and play; no software is necessary to install. Two or more hubs can be connected to enable network expansion easily and inexpensively. Hubs can also be connected together by a bridge.
Within Ethernet standards, there is a limit on the number of hubs that can populate a network. A switch can help segment networks that are becoming too large, and will actually improve performance on your network. Hubs are available for both 10 and 100 Mbps networking.
Bridges
Bridges are used to connect separate workgroups (subnets) together. Most bridges identify and keep track of the location of the nodes on each network and allow only necessary traffic to pass through. The bridge directs the destination and source of information.
If a packet of information is flawed, the bridge filters or drops the packet, but if it contains all the proper source, destination and other information, it will forward the packet. Bridges can even connect both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speed networks together.
Switches
A switch is a key component for expanding networks, like combining a bridge and hub together, because it divides a large network into smaller segments. Adding a switch often improves the speed of a network that has become bogged down and over used, and helps eliminates network errors.
A switch also enables a network transmission to be directed to a specific node on the network instead of being transmitted to all users, like on a hub. The type of transmission control on the Intel® InBusiness™ 8-Port Switch monitors the network activity, sends the data, and tests it to ensure a complete transmission. This is called "store-and-forward."
Repeaters
Repeaters are used in a star topology when the distance in a network expands to the point that it exceeds Ethernet networking standards but still must grow. A repeater is similar to a hub with the exception that it amplifies and retimes the signals being sent across the network. Repeaters monitor connected workgroups. When a malfunction occurs in a workgroup, a repeater will disconnect the malfunctioning computer from the network. The same problem in a bus topology would disable all nodes attached to that segment.
Routers
Routers filter network traffic and connect different protocols to ensure that the file is routed to the correct location. Because of this filtering, a router is slower than a switch or bridge, but will perform a valuable function if filtering is required. Unlike direct hubs and switches, routers can offer network management services, such as zone configuration and control.
Servers
A server can be a low or high capacity computer that provides various resources. A typical server contains several hard disk drives, a tape backup and a CD-ROM drive. It can be used to help share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, E-mail and connections to the Internet. It is often used to store database information, files, file backup, and multiple software programs (site licensed) for access by "client" computers. Computers connected to a server are called "clients."
The functions of the server can be administered and controlled, and can provide security to network users. Several types of servers are available either singly, in any combination, or in total: file and print server, application server, mail server, directory services server, and communications server.
PC Card Adapters
Laptop computers can connect to an Ethernet network with the help of a small insertable card, similar in size to a credit card. A small connector on one end of the card connects to the PC Card slot of a laptop. A connector on the opposite end connects directly to the Ethernet network hub. PC Cards are also made with data/fax and modem operation.
Communications Products
Communications products include fax cards, modems, PC Card adapters for mobile computers, and Internet connections. Products specifically designed for use with faster ISDN lines are commercially available now. These products, and devices that combine several of these features together, will become a significant cost and time benefit for the network user. Particularly in a small office environment where space and equipment is at a premium, sharing these services through a single communications server is highly desirable and cost-effective.
What is a Network Operating System?
A network operating system, or NOS, can range from simple software features built into Windows* 95, Windows NT*, or more complicated network operating systems like Novell or LANtastic*. Its special application allows computers and other equipment on the network the ability to communicate and send and receive information. If you have transferred information between computers using Windows 95 you have already worked with a network operating system.
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