Networking and Ethernet Cables

Networking

            The first computer network was set up by ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) known as ARPANET in the late 1960s. In the world of computers, Networking is also called as Computer Networking or Computer Network. It is where the practice of connecting the two or more computing devices together to share information and resources. A network connects computers by means of cabling systems, specialized software, and devices that manage data traffic. This connection can be executed as peer-to-peer or client/server.

In a peer-to-peer connection each computer holds its files and resources. Some computers can approach these resources but a computer that has a particular resource must be turned on for other computers to access the resource it has.  In a client/server network, each computer can still hold its resources and files. Other computers can also access the resources stored in a computer like in the peer-to-peer network. One of the particularities of a client/server network is that the files and resources are centralized. This means that a computer, the server, can hold them and other computers can access them. The client/server type of network also provides many other advantages such as centralized backup, Intranet capability, Internet monitoring, etc.

A computer network can be connected into two computers. It can also consist of more than two computers. There are many types of computer network which is classified as geographical location of the computers and the network components. The type of connection used for connecting the computers and the network components used, decides the type of the computer network. The network components used to connect the computers together are the Network Interface Cards (NIC), Hubs, Bridges, Repeaters and Switches.

            A computer network works according to the classification of computer network types. The geographical location such as LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network WAN), WAN (Wide Area Network), and GAN (Global Area Network) are the several types of networks.

            A local area network (LAN) has computers interconnected along with some other resources like printers, modems, floppy disks and hard disks. It connects computers within a single geographical location, such as one office building, office suite, or home.

The metropolitan area network (MAN) is spread over an area with a diameter varying from 5 to 50 km. MAN is not owned by a single organization, instead it is an interconnection of many LANs. The metropolitan area network has many applications and can form many networks, like, the banking network, military network, stock brokers’ network and airline reservation network. These networks require a lease line that is to be taken from a telephone company.

The wide area network (WAN) connects all the metropolitan area networks (MAN). It is a larger version of the local area network (LAN). Internet is an example of the wide area network.

The global area network (GAN) comprises all the wireless LANs and satellite communication. The example of global area network is broadband global area network (BGAN) which connects all the broadband wireless voice and data communication on the earth.

There are two connection types of network, the Wired Computer Network and Wireless Computer Network. In the wired computer network, some materials such as the twisted pair wires, coaxial cables and fiber optic cables are used to connect the computers and other network components together. Twisted pair wire is a telephone wire which is used to connect the computers. Coaxial cables are the wires of the cable TV network used to connect the internet and in turn to the computer network. In fiber optic technology, voice and data is transmitted in the form of light. The wireless computer network uses the wireless technologies, like, satellite communication, wireless LAN and Bluetooth. The satellite uses microwaves to communicate the data and information over the network. Wireless LAN requires a router and a network adapter.

 Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables connect network devices such as modems, routers, and adapters. They transmit data using the Ethernet protocol. There are two types of networking cables: straight-through and crossover cables. Each cable type has a distinct use, and should not be used in place of another.

             “Regular” or straight-through cable is a type of Ethernet cable. Out of the 8 pins that exist on both ends of an Ethernet cable, each pin connects to the same pin on the opposite side. Straight-through cables are primarily used for connecting unlike devices. Some devices such as routers will have advanced circuitry, which enables them to use both crossover and straight-through cables. However, straight-through cables will not connect a computer and router because they are not “unlike devices.” A straight-through cable is typically used in the following situations:

Use a straight-through cable when:

-Connecting a router to a hub

-Connecting a computer to a switch

-Connecting a LAN port to a switch, hub, or computer

A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly. Crossover cables are very similar to straight-through cables, except that they have pairs of wires that crisscross. This allows for two devices to communicate at the same time. Unlike straight-through cables, we can use crossover cables to connect like devices. Crossover cables are typically used in the following situations:

Use a crossover cable when:

-Connecting a computer to a router

-Connecting a computer to a computer

-Connecting a router to a router

-Connecting a switch to a switch

-Connecting a hub to a hub