Computer Network Design & Setup

Just started a company or moved into a new office? Have

an older network that needs upgrade or performance
tuning? Your current network doesn’t fit your current
need? No matter what kind of computer network help you
need, we have the knowledge, skill and resource to help
you. For more information on how a computer network
will increase your productivity, read our Computer
Network and How It Can Increase Your Productivity white
paper. Contact us now and see how we can
improve/increase productivity for your company.

Bay Area Systems White Paper: Computer Network

and How It Can Increase Your Productivity

What’s a computer network?

Computer network can be defined as “A set of computers
that are connected and able to exchange data”. In a typical
office environment, a local area network (LAN) is usually
set up to allow data exchange and resource sharing (such
as files, printers, fax modem, scanner, Internet broadband
access) between computers.
What kind of benefit do I get from a computer
network?
There are numerous benefits a computer network can
bring to a business.

 File Sharing: Computer files can be stored centrally,

therefore multiple staff can work on one single copy
and responsibility can be delegated (faxing, mailing,
printing, etc.). Store computer files on one place will
also make data backup easier, more reliable and cost
efficient.
 Internet Sharing: If you have a broadband Internet
connection, setting up a LAN will allow the entire
office to access the Internet concurrently. Everyone
 can exchange message, do research, monitor business
development, and fully realize the benefit of Internet
at any time.
 Resource Sharing: Printers, fax modems and scanners
(depends on model and other factors) can be shared
across the network. For example, a high speed high
quality printer can be shared by the entire office,
allowing you to reduce cost while increase quality of
output (printout, fax result, etc.).
 Data Sharing: Certain applications such as accounting,
scheduling, contact management, as well as billing
software, allows user to setup a central data
repository for multiple computer access. Once the
repository is setup, multiple computers can view and
modify the same set of data. Data sharing increase
work efficiency, allow faster decision making, and let
you have a better view of the status of the business.
 Security: When setup properly with role-based
security, office users will be able to access only
resources relevant to his/her job functions. In
addition, users can log in at any workstation and
continue his/her work, minimizing downtime and loss
of productivity due to a failed workstation.

What kind of network do I need?

A wired network requires Network Interface Card (NIC) on
each computer. A network cable then connects each
computer to a network switch or router. Wire network
offers the best reliability and security. Most wired
networks have speed of either 10, 100 or 1000 Mbps
(mega bits per second). Today’s computer networks should
operate at a minimum of 100Mbps. If you experience
constant network performance problem, you may have a
slow network.
Wireless network is gaining popularity as its speed
approaches wired network and the cost of equipment
decreases. Wireless network requires a wireless router and
wireless NIC on each computer. 802.11b and 802.11g are
the most common standards. 802.11b offers speed up to
11Mbps and 802.11g offers speed up to 54Mbps. Most
wireless routers allow installation professional to setup
encryption key to protect the communication between the
router and computers. Wireless network uses radio
frequency technology to transmit data and therefore
network speed depends on the physical environment and
configuration. Wireless network offers the versatility that a
wired network cannot provide. For places that a network
cable cannot or is hard to reach (due to cost or other
obstacles), wireless network maybe the sensible choice.
BayArea Systems can help setup or optimize your
computer network!
With over 20 years of experience in wired and wireless
network technology, our skilled professional can help you
design and install computer network(s) that best suit your
business. You are welcome to contact us to discuss
potential network related issues, acquire information on
computer network or need help on getting the most out of
your existing network infrastructure. Call us now at (415)
397-2702.
WEB CULTURE

How to Set Up a Small

Business Computer
Network
Setting up a computer network is a good way to get more out of
your system and its components. This is especially true if you are
running a small business. Networking allows you to manage all of
the operations of a small business – like communication, data
transfer, and storage – more easily.
By setting up a network, your computer will be used to its full
potential and all your business needs will be met. You can access
the Internet with any computer on the network, as well as share files
and devices across it. An effective computer network design can
make a big difference for you and your business.

In this article, I am going to walk you through the necessary steps

on how to set up a small business computer network. I will attempt
to explain what you need to know to make it all work.

Networks – Wired vs. Wireless

The first decision you will need to make about your new network is
whether you would like it to be wired or completely wireless. These
two methods obviously have their upsides and downsides, but either
one is suitable for your business needs.

Wired (or Ethernet) networks are said to be extremely reliable,

economical, secure, and easy to install. If you have a lot of
components you would like to access the Internet with, however,
you might opt for a wireless network, which allows you to have
broadband access from a distance. Wireless networks have become
very easy to install as well, thanks to Wi-Fi. You also eliminate the
need for wires or cords in a wireless network, hence the name.
Wired networks are more geared towards desktop PC setups and
wireless is more of a laptop thing. If you have both a desktop and
laptop in your office (like me), you can simply use a combination of
the two. For instance, I have my desktop physically connected to the
Internet with an Ethernet cable and my laptop connects via the
wireless router.

Network Setup – Peer-To-Peer Vs. Client-

Server
The next step in how to set up a small business computer network is
deciding whether to make it a peer-to-peer setup or a client-server
one. Both networks connect computers so that resources can be
shared between them. The fundamental differences are in the setup
configuration.
Peer-To-Peer Setup

In a peer-to-peer setup, every computer acts as both the client and

the server. Each computer communicates directly with the other
computers in the network and resources can be added or removed. A
peer-to-peer setup is much more common in the home.

Equipment You Will Need:

Setting up your network peer-to-peer only requires you to have a
router (possibly with wireless capability) and the necessary Ethernet
cords to run the router to the modem and from the router to all of
your computers.

Settings You Will Need:

Depending on the operating system your computers may be running
on, you should have some built in functions for a network. In
Windows, for example, you can opt to put all computers on the
same Workgroup (XP) or Homegroup (Windows 7) and enable
print/file sharing. The built-in Network Setup Wizard in the control
panel will walk you through your setup.

Client-Server Setup

In a client-server setup, multiple clients (computers) connect to a

single, central server. Public data and applications are only installed
on the server and the clients connect to the server to use the
resources. This type of setup is more typical in larger offices or
businesses.
The Definition Of A Client Server Network [Technology
Explained]  
Equipment You Will Need:
In order to create a client-server setup, you are probably going to
need a server, or at least a server-friendly operating system.
Microsoft Windows Server Edition and Linux are very good for this.

You can install one of them on a PC and use it as a server if you

like, but if you have a large business it would be wise to consider
purchasing a stand-alone server for the job, especially if you are
going to be adding or expanding to your network in the future.

Settings You Will Need:

Hooking up the network properly is half the battle. Once hooked up,
your server – or the computer running the server OS – should be
pretty straight forward to configure. All of your client computers
should have computer names (e.g. Steve-Desktop1). You can use
these names to set restrictions or grant privileges to any or all of the
clients on your network.

Securing Your New Network

Network security is also important to consider when you’re running
a small business, particularly in a wireless configuration. (See: Is
Your Wireless Network Safe?)

Log into your router settings by navigating to 192.168.1.1 in your

browser. Depending on the brand of router you are using, you
should be able to locate a security tab of some kind. The current
security standard for encrypting wireless networks is Wi-Fi
Protected Access, or widely known as WPA and WPA2. If your
router supports this option, select it and enter a strong alphanumeric
password or passphrase.
or tips to create a strong password, refer to these posts:

 How To Create A Good Password That You Will Not

Forget
 5 Free Password Generators For Nearly Unhackable
Passwords
 How To Create Strong Passwords That You Can
Remember Easily
It’s also important to protect each computer on the network
individually with passwords, restrictions, and programs such as
firewalls anti-spyware, and anti-virus programs.

Conclusion
Setting up a small business computer network is all about
preference. Once you decide on the layout and pick the tools you
need to do the job it’s just a matter of hooking everything up and
tweaking a few settings here and there.
For additional help with your small business and negotiations you
experience, download this free ebook for becoming a better
negotiator.

How to Set Up a Home Network-

Beginners Guide

Today almost every home and small  office has a local network, and an
Internet connection.
 The home network or small office network enables multiple devices e.g.
PCs,tablets etc to connect to each other, and also to connect to the internet.

In this tutorial you will learn how you to build and setup a home or small office network
and connect it to the Internet.

Quick Links

 Choosing a Wired or Wireless Network

 Setting up a Home Network -Components and Structure
 Extending Your Home Network
 Home Network IP Addresses
 Firewall Configuration on Home Networks
 Checking Network and Internet Speeds
 Home Network and Internet Connection Problems
 Quiz

Choosing a Wired or Wireless Network

Do You Build a wired or Wireless Network?

Early (pre 2008) home networks were predominately wired networks.

Wired networks use Ethernet over UTP cable and tend to be faster than wireless
networks, which is an important consideration if you are a gamer. The simple wired
home network diagram below shows a minimum setup with a switch and broadband
router.
 Wired Network Advantages

 Fast typically 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps

 Secure and reliable.

Wired Network Dis-Advantages

 Doesn’t work with devices that don’t have an Ethernet port e.g. tablets and smart
phones.
 Not so easy and fast to setup as it requires running cables. However Homeplug or
powerline adapters can be used instead.
 Not so easy for visitors and mobile devices (laptops) to connect to.

Main Uses

Used for network backbone i.e. connecting between router,network switches and
wireless access points on different levels (floors).

Home Wireless Networks

Wireless networks use Wi-Fi. and are quick and easy to install, but are generally slower
than wired networks. See Wi-Fi and Wireless networks for more details.
 Wireless Network Advantages

 Easy to setup from an end user perspective.

 Allows easy access to smart phones, Tablets and mobile devices.
 No cables to run.

Wireless Network Dis-Advantages

 Not as Secure as wired networks without proper configuration. and easy to setup
insecurely.
 Not so as fast as wired networks.
 Not as reliable as wired networks.

Main Uses

Connecting peripheral devices like computers,smart phone,tablets etc.

Most home networks will use a mixture of wired and wireless.

Setting up a Home Network -Components and Structure

Today however most home and small home office networks will use a wireless
network or mixed network, as most people use Smart phones, and tablets which don’t
have Ethernet support.

The main components required to build a typical home/small office network are:

 Router or Wireless router – Connects the network to the Internet.

 Wireless Access Point – Used to Connect Wi-Fi equipped devices to the network.
 Ethernet HUB or Switch -Used to Connect Ethernet equipped devices.
 Cable cat 5, cat5e or cat 6 with RJ45 connectors.
 Telephone Cable with RJ 10 connectors.
 Broadband Filters.
The home network diagram below shows the structure of a typical small home
network

For most home networks the Wireless Router or Hub which connects the network to the
Internet will be the main component of the home or small office network, and in many
cases the only component.

The Wireless router usually incorporates a Wireless access point,Ethernet switch, DSL

modem and Router in a single box.

This short video shows how to use a Wireless Home Hub ( BT) or router to create a
home network that is connected to the Internet.

Video Notes:

DSL Modem– converts digital signals into analogue signals that are suitable for
sending over a telephone line. It is usually built into the Internet/broadband
router and is not normally purchased as a separate component.
 DSL/Broadband Filter– Used to filter out DSL signals from telephone signals so that
you can access the internet and use the telephone simultaneously.

See How to Setup and Configure your Home Router

Wireless Router Location

The Wireless router will need to connect to the telephone line, cable or fibre network
access point in your home.

Therefore most people locate the Wireless router near to the main telephone socket.

However you can usually change the location by using telephone extension cables or
longer WAN cables.

Note: WAN cables use the same connectors (RJ45) and cables as Ethernet cables.

Because the Wireless Router provides the Wireless access point then you should place it
in a central location, if possible, to get the best wireless reception.

Don’t

 Hide it in a cupboard
 Install it behind the sofa
 install next to motors,microwaves,cordless telephones

Testing Your Wireless Signal

The easiest way of testing you signal strength in various locations is to use
the inSSIDer Wi-Fi checker which is an App that you can install on your Android Tablet
or phone.

The general idea is to place the Wireless router in its preferred location and then move
around the house with the inSSIDer Wi-Fi checker, and check the signal strength, and
then adjust the location if necessary.

Extending Your Home Network

In large homes/offices it may not be possible to connect all devices directly to the
Wireless router and so you will need to purchase additional networking components.

You can extend your home network by:

 extending your Wi-Fi coverage by installing additional Wireless Access Points or a more
powerful access point.
 or you can extend the Wired network by running cables into other rooms
 or using your power cables by installing home plug adapters. See How to extend a
Home Network

Home Router Setup

To administer the router you access it via a web browser, and login using a username
and password.

Before you allow devices to connect to your home network you should make some basic
changes to the default setup parameters of your router.

The two important one are the SSID used to access the Router and the router admin
password as the default username/passwords are well known, and published on the
Internet.

See How to Setup and Configure your Home Router and Setting up a secure wi-fi home
network.

Connecting Wi-Fi Devices

The standard way of connecting a Wi-fi device to a Wi-fi network is the connect to the
network and enter the password when prompted.

However most modern Wi-Fi routers/hubs support a feature called WPS ( Wi-fi

protected setup). Which usually involves pressing a button on the wi_fi router and a
corresponding WPS connection button on the Device.

The devices then connect without requiring you to enter a password. See Wiki on WPS

Home Network IP Addresses

All of your devices will need an IP address.

This is provided automatically by a service called DHCP which, by default, is provided

by the home router.

IP address provided by the DHCP server are known as dynamic address as they can
change. You can also assign addresses manually, and these are known as static
addresses.
 Static Addresses are not normally assigned but are often required when using Port
forwarding.

Additionally the addresses used on your home network are known as internal
addresses.

When you connect to the Internet your device will use an external IP address. This
address is the IP address of the router/hub. See Internal vs external IP addresses for a
more detailed explanation.

Finding Your DNS, IP and MAC Addresses

You may need to find out what DNS servers you are using or the IP or MAC address of:

 Your Home Router.

 Your own computer/tablet/phone

The main tool you use is the ipconfig (windows) or ifconfig (linux) tool.

The screen shot below shows the ipconfig command use with the /all switch.
i.e. ipconfig/all
Your home router is your gateway to the Internet. When viewing your configuration
some devices refer to it as the default router whereas other use the term default
gateway.

In the screen shot above it is 192.168.1.254

Firewall Configuration on Home Networks

A Firewall functions like a router, and generally what you use on small networks is
firewall/NAT router combination in which a single device acts as a NAT router and
firewall.

A firewall protects your home or small business network computers and devices from
intruders on the Internet.

It effectively acts like a one way digital gate blocking access to your network from
devices on the Internet, but at the same time allowing devices on your network to
connect to devices on the Internet. (schematic diagram below)

For small home/office networks the firewall is built into, and is part of, the router that
connects to the Internet.

Generally there is no configuration required as the default behaviour is only to allow

connections from the local network to the Internet, and not from the Internet to the
home network.

However if you do require devices on the Internet to connect into your network (often
required by gamers) then you can configure port forwarding.
You may also want or need to use dynamic DNS- see What is Dynamic DNS ?  and Why
Use Dynamic DNS Services?

Checking Network and Internet Speeds

On any network the speed is restricted by the slowest component.

A computer with a Gigabit network card talking to a computer with a 100Mbit/s network
card is restricted to 100Mbit/s.

Shared devices like switches and Wireless access points are network choke points just
like traffic lights and roundabouts on a road.

LAN Speed test is a very useful tool for testing your local network speeds.

For Internet speeds you can use online speed test sites. See Understanding Internet
speeds and speed tests.

Home Network and Internet Connection Problems

You will invariably have connection problems from time to time.

In my experience most problems are easily diagnosed and fixed with a little patience
and perseverance.

Having a good understanding of how your network fits together, and works is essential
for successful troubleshooting.