Specifications

Niagara Release 2.3
Revised: May 22, 2002 Niagara Networking & Connectivity Guide
Chapter 1 Understanding Networking and IP Addressing
Introduction to Networking
1–2
What is Networking?
This section introduces LANs and WANs and how networks are used to improve
computing productivity.
The Concept of
Networking
A network is simply a method by which computers and/or devices can communicate
over a common connection. This means that whether you have 2 PCs, 20 PCs, or 200
PCs, they can all communicate with each other via the network.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN usually refers to computers connected so they can share resources and
interoperate within a small area such as an office or a single building.
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
The need to communicate with PCs and other devices outside of the office or local
network has led to the expansion of networks into wider circles of connectivity.
Devices are added to LANs that enable them to communicate with remote devices.
This is accomplished by the use of modems, routers, public switched telephone
networks (PSTN), bridges, and so on. These devices extend the communication
capabilities of the LAN into a wide area network.
Why Use a Network?
When there is a need to share data and resources between multiple users or PCs,
connecting all these PCs using some type of network is a common sense choice for
effective utilization of the available assets.
Printers and other peripherals —When there is a network, one printer can
support an entire team with printing services from a common location. Each PC is
configured to use the printer as if it belonged to that PC alone. This allows an
organization to buy a small number of high-speed, high-quality printers that are used
to support everyone. The savings realized by buying fewer printers can then be used
to substantially increase the quality of the equipment purchased for use by the group.
Data—The sharing of data between multiple users is also a highly valuable
commodity: One common database can be accessed from anywhere in the
organization and all users can view and make changes to the same data. Using a
server PC to store documents, templates, and clipart that multiple persons may need
access to is a very important benefit of using a network.
Applications—Another good reason for a network is to run applications software
across the network from a single installation. Most enterprise-level software
applications can be purchased specifically for network operation. Multi-user licensed
software is usually much less expensive than purchasing individual copies of
software. In addition, running applications across the network ensures that everyone
is using the same version of the software, so there is never a document compatibility
problem.