Introduction to Ethernet, the Standard for Wired Networking
Most business networks have historically and continue to be built using Ethernet cabling and devices. Ethernet is an International industry standard for networking computers and other devices together, enabling communication between them.
Ethernet is available in a choice of networking speeds, the higher the number, the faster data is transmitted: Most networks run Fast Ethernet - 100 Mbps (Mega bits per second) and/or Gigabit Ethernet - 1000 Mbps. Older networks run on basic 10baseT - 10 Mbps. NETGEAR's products are all backward compatible to slower networking speeds; i.e. Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) products also work at 100 and 10 Mbps, and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) products also work at 10 Mbps.
Fast Ethernet is more than ample for general office networking, e.g. emailing, sending documents, printing, scanning etc. Gigabit Ethernet is better for large LANs with high traffic volumes or heavy network users sending very large files or transferring media, such as voice, video, imagery or music.
Creating a new Business Network
Offices with Structured Cabling
Many offices are already equipped with 'structured cabling'. Structured cabling avoids the need to trail wires across the office floor to peoples' desks; the cables are hidden under floors, in walls and through ceilings, and networking sockets are placed close to desk areas. If you are moving to a new office with structured cabling, half the work is done, the next step is to choose the networking devices needed to connect computers together, get connected to the outside world and manage printing requests. You should also check what type of cabling is installed to ensure that it is able to handle your network transfer speeds.
Offices without Structured Cabling
If your office does not have structured cabling you have two choices:
- Design & Install structured cabling, in order to build an Ethernet (wired) network
- Implement a wireless network - no need for cabling to work areas. Look at our wired vs. wireless page to help you decide whether to build a wired or wireless network.
The third option of running an Ethernet network without hiding the cables using structured cabling is available, but trailing wires across an office is not recommended and may not meet health and safety standards.
Business Networking Products
Cabling
For wired networks, it is important to ensure you have (or choose) the correct cabling to meet required data transfer speeds. UTP (Unshielded Twisted-Pair) is the most commonly used cabling for Ethernet networks; commonly used UTP is referred to as Cat-5, Cat-5e or Cat-6. Fiber Optic cabling is used selectively for bandwidth demanding connections.
VPN Firewalls
Connect your office network, securely, to other geographically distant networks and the Internet via an ISDN or broadband connection.
Network Cards & Adapters
Connect laptops and desktop PC's to a business network using either wired or wireless adapters that slot into your computer via USB, PCI or Cardbus (PCMCIA slot on laptops).
Switches
Enable multiple computers, printers and other network-attached devices to be connected together using cabling, to transfer information, including emails, files and printer requests.
Print Servers
No need to dedicate a PC to manage print requests and queues, use a print server device instead.
Wireless Access Points
Used for extending Ethernet (wired) networks where cabling cannot reach or to provide instant connectivity for mobile staff. Also used to 'boost' a wireless signal across a building to ensure network coverage for all employees.
|
