Installation guide

Chapter 9: Setup the Optional Computers and Printers 66
Single Switch Cabling
(Type A System shown)
What is a Switch?
A network Switch was multiple connectors which allow you to plug in all the CAT5e cable from each computer,
the NAS Disk and the other switch at the curtain wall (If used).
This device then acts like a telephone exchange that allows data to flow from the sending to the receiving
computer directly, without all other computers having to “listen in” as well.
What is a Router?
A Router performs all the same functions as a switch but in addition, a Router will also tell every computer what
IP address it should be. This function is known as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Serving. A
computer’s IP address is its unique identifying code for networking data. A Router can also perform other functions
such as sharing broadband Internet (if connected.)
By default, most computers are set to obtain their IP address automatically. Basically, this means that all the
computers on the network must work out their IP address amongst themselves. This process can take up to one
minute before a computer is then able to connect to the network and communicate to others.
The function of a Router (Amongst other things) is to streamline this process by telling each computer
(Including the Duo Hardware Units) what it’s IP address will be. This means that all computers will then be able to
communicate immediately on reboot.
Note: There can only be one Router on any network.