Instruction manual

TCP/IP Internet Basics

Network

A computer network basically is a group of devices linked together usually using a

communications protocol or language called TCP/IP. Normally these devices consist of PCs

(personal computers), servers, and other devices. Most likely if you have multiple computers at

a site, the chances are they are linked together forming a computer network.

A local network

is a private network of computing devices. No one outside that local network

can access without special conditions. So in this tutorial, when referenced to the local network,

just assume the local network is the location where the NVS is installed.

A remote network

is a group of computing devices located outside your local network. By

special means it is possible for your local network to communicate with remote networks. For

example, the Internet provider is just a remote network.

Internet

The Internet is basically a network of networks. There are physical links connecting the

networks within the Internet. Information traveling the Internet usually travels along cables

constructed of fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, telephone lines, and also a variety of wireless

methods. This explains why many Internet service providers (ISP) are based from cable TV and

telephone companies. They already have the physical media in place to transmit data on the

Internet.

Below are two popular types of high-speed Internet.

DSL

(Digital Subscribers Link) - This type of service travels along telephone lines. It is a

dedicated line directly from the service provider (usually a telephone company) to your

residence or place of business. So a DSL connection will run through your current phone lines

(ADSL). ADSL provides higher download rates (retrieving data), but slower upload rates (sending

data). The highest upload rate you can achieve with ADSL is typically 640 Kbps. SDSL provides

the same speed on both download and upload, so it’s nice to have when serving data with the

high upload rate, but typically you have to have a dedicated line just for the service and it can’t

etwork Video Server User’s Manual

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