A LAN is the most basic form of networking and involves linking a
series of computers to each other or to a server. A LAN contains both
hardware and software. The network hardware provides the physical
connections between PCs. The network software provides the communications
intelligence that lets desktop applications see other users on the
network.
Network Configurations:
Peer-to-Peer or Client/Server.
Businesses with more than 5 employees should seriously consider a
centralized client/server network. Building a solid infrastructure
for any business starts with a good centralized design which provides
room for future growth with minimal investment and re-work. Consider
the number of devices that will be connected to the network (PCs,
printers, or other devices). It is important that you work with someone
who understands your business today and who has the vision for what
your needs will be like in the future, while not overselling or under
sizing the solution. The biggest mistake most businesses make with
their first network is not considering future adds, moves and changes
to the network and the equipment.
LAN Connections:
90% of networks in both large and small businesses utilize Ethernet
as the standard LAN technology. There are three available data transmission
standards-
• 10BASE-T - 10Mbps
Ethernet
• 100BASE-TX - 100Mbps
Fast
Ethernet
• 1000BASE-T - 1000Mbps
Gigabit
Switches vs Hubs -
Although hubs are less expensive than switches and seem to provide
the ability to share resources, they can also cause major frustration.
The difference between a switch and hub is that a switch gives each
connection "dedicated bandwidth", whereas in contrast a hub shares
bandwidth across all of the connections such that activity from one
PC or server can slow down the effective speed of other connections
on the hub.
Under sizing a network can lead to future bottlenecks that undermine
the initial cost investment in a switch.