When asked "Why do we build networks?" many reply "To Share Data."
However, that is not strictly true. The main reason for setting up a
network whether it is at home or in a commercial location such as an office,
is to Share Resources. The subtle differences in
terminology indicates that networking extends much further than just sharing
information, but includes a wide-range of logical and physical devices.
Let us take the simple home network, the main reason for setting up a network in this environment is to share such resources as an Internet connection. This can take the form of sharing access to an Internet connected Router. In order to reduce costs many organisations install shared printers, which can be accessed by any number of users.
There are predominately two types of network environment. The first is commonly known as the "WORKGROUP" and the second is the "DOMAIN". Although both these networks are designed to function in similar ways, they are fundamentally different in design and use.
WORKGROUP (Peer-to-Peer)
This type of network is normally reserved or home or small business environments, where there are less than 10 computers in use, and centralised security of data is not an issue. It is fairly easy to setup to share basic resources such as printers and folders, however, it does have its limitations. Computers in a workgroup act as both a Server and a Client, which means each individual computer can both provide and receive services, and required no specialised software other than a basic Windows operating system such as Windows XP (Pro or Home) or Vista.
Computers in a workgroup are fitted with a network card (NIC) which is located in the system base unit. Using what is termed Ethernet (RJ45) cable or Network cable each computer is normally connected to a central device called a HUB or SWITCH that control the passage of data signals between the various computers attached to it. The resultant design of a workgroup is often described as a STAR topology, because of the logical star formation as can be seen from the diagram below.
Let us take the simple home network, the main reason for setting up a network in this environment is to share such resources as an Internet connection. This can take the form of sharing access to an Internet connected Router. In order to reduce costs many organisations install shared printers, which can be accessed by any number of users.
There are predominately two types of network environment. The first is commonly known as the "WORKGROUP" and the second is the "DOMAIN". Although both these networks are designed to function in similar ways, they are fundamentally different in design and use.
WORKGROUP (Peer-to-Peer)
This type of network is normally reserved or home or small business environments, where there are less than 10 computers in use, and centralised security of data is not an issue. It is fairly easy to setup to share basic resources such as printers and folders, however, it does have its limitations. Computers in a workgroup act as both a Server and a Client, which means each individual computer can both provide and receive services, and required no specialised software other than a basic Windows operating system such as Windows XP (Pro or Home) or Vista.
Computers in a workgroup are fitted with a network card (NIC) which is located in the system base unit. Using what is termed Ethernet (RJ45) cable or Network cable each computer is normally connected to a central device called a HUB or SWITCH that control the passage of data signals between the various computers attached to it. The resultant design of a workgroup is often described as a STAR topology, because of the logical star formation as can be seen from the diagram below.
Unfortunately, workgroup networks can become quite messy when it comes to
accessing shared folders on different computers, because access to each
computer's resources is controlled by passwords. This means that each
user wishing to access a resource attached to a particular computer needs to
have a password for that machine. If access is required to a number of
different computers in the workgroup a separate password is required for
each PC, which can quickly get out of control, leading to breaches of
security, because passwords are either duplicated or left open to view for
ease of reference. To overcome this problem, it is often common
practice to designate a single computer as the main storage and resource
sharing machine, which only requires one access password.
DOMAIN (Server / Client)
A Domain environment is normally reserved for use in connection with larger networks, however, there is no reason why a small business enterprise should not utilise the benefits provided by such a network. A Domain contains specialised computers designated as Servers and these in turn are connected to localised computers commonly referred to as Clients. As in the case of workgroups, the various computers are connected using Ethernet (RJ45) cable, and a combination of intelligent SWITCHES and ROUTERS that help to control the passage of data throughout the network.
The major difference between a workgroup and a domain, is that the domain is controlled centrally by an Administrator, who monitors access to the network by issuing unique usernames and passwords to users. However, even though users may be able to access the network after logging in, they can be further restricted from accessing the various resources by the use of permissions, that are linked to usernames. Permissions allow an Administrator to prevent or allow various users to access certain resources, which could be either a network folder on a server, a particular printer or even the Internet.
A typical Domain topology is shown below:
A Domain environment is normally reserved for use in connection with larger networks, however, there is no reason why a small business enterprise should not utilise the benefits provided by such a network. A Domain contains specialised computers designated as Servers and these in turn are connected to localised computers commonly referred to as Clients. As in the case of workgroups, the various computers are connected using Ethernet (RJ45) cable, and a combination of intelligent SWITCHES and ROUTERS that help to control the passage of data throughout the network.
The major difference between a workgroup and a domain, is that the domain is controlled centrally by an Administrator, who monitors access to the network by issuing unique usernames and passwords to users. However, even though users may be able to access the network after logging in, they can be further restricted from accessing the various resources by the use of permissions, that are linked to usernames. Permissions allow an Administrator to prevent or allow various users to access certain resources, which could be either a network folder on a server, a particular printer or even the Internet.
A typical Domain topology is shown below:
Domain Servers have specialised software installed on them, which allows
them to be designated as either a Domain Controller, File, Application, or
Web Server to name but a few, and help to control access to the various
resources on the network, which makes this style of network a more
attractive environment for business use than the workgroup.
Client computers MUST have a copy of either Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate) in order to be able to join a Domain-based network. Windows XP HOME and Vista Home Premium can only be used in a workgroup environment.
Other services, such as Exchange Server, which integrates email into a domain-based network can be added, but this feature does require a static IP Address to be available, which is discussed in the section entitled Internet Connections. Both Workgroup and Domain-based networks can be integrated with any of the popular Internet Providers (ISPs) such as BT or Virgin Media Cable, providing users in a network with secure access to the Internet.
If you are considering setting up either of the above types of network for your home office or small business, we would be only too pleased to discuss your requirements, and where required provide a FREE! design plan and estimate for such an installation.
Client computers MUST have a copy of either Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate) in order to be able to join a Domain-based network. Windows XP HOME and Vista Home Premium can only be used in a workgroup environment.
Other services, such as Exchange Server, which integrates email into a domain-based network can be added, but this feature does require a static IP Address to be available, which is discussed in the section entitled Internet Connections. Both Workgroup and Domain-based networks can be integrated with any of the popular Internet Providers (ISPs) such as BT or Virgin Media Cable, providing users in a network with secure access to the Internet.
If you are considering setting up either of the above types of network for your home office or small business, we would be only too pleased to discuss your requirements, and where required provide a FREE! design plan and estimate for such an installation.