Your first computer network can be quite intimidating. Understanding the ABCs of computer networking can help alleviate the frustration and anxiety that you may encounter.
Congratulations on your decision to design, build, and reap the benefits of your own computer network!
I've seen something similar to that on so many of the directions that come with appliances and technology gadgets that thought it fitting to start out the first of many articles on computer networks in the same vein.
Now down to the business at hand...
Whether you have made the decision to build a home network to share an internet connection, or a network at your place of business to share important resources, there are certain steps that need to be taken to save yourself a great deal of frustration and anxiety down the road. To help introduce you to the processes involved, let us look at the ABC's of computer networking.
ASSESS
Anything done right comes from a good plan. This should be the first step you take with your network. Take the time to assess what it is you want your network to be able to do. As a home user, you may want to only share an internet connection between two computers. Or possibly link more than one computer to the new laser printer you purchased. In the workplace, the demands of a network may be more complex. In addition to sharing resources such as internet connections and printers, files may need to be shared. There may also be the need to manage the rights and privileges of multiple users.
In the assessment stage, it is necessary to determine the immediate needs of the network as well as how it will grow. Are there plans to implement wireless technologies? Will a home network eventually house a media center or cameras? Is your business expected to grow in the near future? Will you be hosting your own website? Will you be using a workgroup or a domain? Take into consideration all of your intentions for your networking needs. It is far easier to grow into something if you have planned for it.
BUILD IT
Once you have assessed your needs and planned your network, the next step is to actually build it. Have a checklist of steps that you need to take. Include the purchase of necessary items such as modems, switches, and cabling. Have everything ready and in place before you start connecting your computers and other resources together.
CONTROL
Keep a watchful eye on your network. It is easy for things to get out of control when you start adding resources. By documenting everything on your network from day one you will find that troubleshooting problems and securing your network is far easier. When you do add resources, or upgrade, make note of the date as well. If you install updates, new software, new hardware, check the event logs. Note any problems that correspond to the dates new resources were added. Utilize your assessment plans here as well. Sometimes, the newest technology may sound great on paper, but if it doesn't fit into your plan, maybe you need to evaluate it a little further.
Although these guidelines are a brief introduction to managing a computer network, following these steps can help your network run more effectively and efficiently.
