What is a network?

Please click on any of the links below to be directed to a glossary of terms.

A local area network (LAN) involves connecting two or more computers. This is accomplished by installing a network interface card (NIC) into each computer. The NICs then allow computers on the network to communicate using a mutual protocol. Review the summaries below to see what type of network would best suit your needs.

Peer-to-Peer Network

With a peer-to-peer network, there is no central computer or file server. This configuration generally has a single string of computers connected by cable. Each computer is an equal, or “peer,” of the others, and it can share the files and peripherals of other computers connected to the network. This very simple type of network is generally best suited for less than five users who need to casually share files and peripherals. While a peer-to-peer network is a low-cost, easy-to-install solution, it has some drawbacks. If one user turns off her workstation, her information or peripherals will no longer be available for others to share.

Client/Server Network

A client/server network provides more flexibility than a peer-to-peer network. A network switch or hub acts as the central communications device connecting your desktops and notebooks to your server. A dedicated server in the network then enables users to access information and share peripherals without being dependent upon other colleagues’ systems. In addition, a tape backup can be installed into a dedicated server, allowing you to back up data on both the server and all workstations. Client/server networks are typically used when there is a constant need to access large files and applications or when multiple users want to share peripherals.