Networking Basics: Important Things to Know

If you want to know the networking basics, the first two things you need to be familiar with are routing and switching. How does a network work? It uses switches and routers to connect computers and peripherals. For networking, switches and routers are of utmost importance. These devices help other networking devices "talk" to each other. Moreover, these two devices are also used to connect one network to the other. Let us find out more about them.

While apparently the two devices look similar, they perform different roles in a network. Let us know their roles.

Networking Basics:

Switches

In a campus or building, switches are used to connect many devices on a network. For instance, switches are used to connect computers, scanners, printers and servers, establishing a solid web of shared resources.

Aside from this, switches also act as a controller and allow many devices to communicate with each other. Switches save you a good deal of time and money. They don't cost an arm and a leg. That is why they are very common in the here and now.

Switches are of two types: unmanaged and managed. Based on your needs, you can go for the right one.

• If you have an unmanaged switch, you can just take it out of the box and put it to use without making any changes. Typically, home-networking equipment uses unmanaged switches.

•If you have a managed switch, you will need to make changes to it. In other words, you can monitor and adjust the switch based on your need. With this switch, you can control network traffic as well as decide who can access the network.

Networking Basics: Routers

A router is the second most important part of our network, which is used for connecting networks together. Where can you use it? You can use a router for connecting your computers to the World Wide Web. They are also used to connect one computer network to the Net. In this case, you can share one Internet connection among a lot of users. This device works as a dispatcher to send and receive information as fast as possible choosing the best route.

Routers monitor data and information sent over a network. They change the way data is packaged and then send it to another or different type of network. Routers are used for making a connection between your business and the outside world, giving you data protection against security threats. They also decide which network the information should be sent to first.

Based on the type of network plan and business, you can go for routers with different features. Below are some of the things to keep in mind.

Firewall:

They are special apps designed to monitor incoming data and give protection against security threats.

VPN:

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. With a VPN, you can let your remote employees get access to your network safely.

IP Phone:

This network combines a computer and phone network of a company with the help of conferencing and voice technology for simplifying and unifying your communication.