Setting Up a Home or Office Network: Hardware Guide

Introduction

Computer networks form a vital component of not only contemporary enterprises, but of 21st-century homes as well. Networks allow a personal computer (PC) to connect to the Internet, enabling users to check email, engage in teleconferencing, or update a webpage or website. Additionally, a user is able to communicate locally with other devices on the same local network. It is relatively straightforward to create a basic network — all one needs to do is connect a router to a device using Ethernet cables. However, this represents only the most fundamental part of network setup. Additional components are necessary for functions such as printer-sharing, file-sharing, media streaming, adding various devices to the network, and controlling which computers have data access. The task becomes more complex when wireless links are required. This paper details the components needed to establish a functional office or home network.

Client-Server Architecture

Client-server arrangements involve connecting a number of computers to one central server. Public applications and data are installed only on that server, with clients accessing resources through their connection to it. Such configurations are commonly found in larger enterprises and office buildings. Setting up this type of arrangement requires a server-compatible operating system — such as Linux or Microsoft Windows Server Edition — along with appropriate server hardware.

Hardware Components

Router

It is not possible to set up an office or home network without a router. For nearly all networks that can be constructed today, both wireless and wired connections are required, and wireless routers conveniently address this need. A wireless router functions as the link between the wider Internet (WAN, or wide area network) and an office or home network (LAN, or local area network). It enables network-sharing among all connected devices. Moreover, the router typically also functions as the network's DHCP server, assigning individual private IP addresses to each connected computer and device — a critical requirement for communication between devices on the network. Wireless routers also generally possess built-in firewalls that help safeguard the network against intrusion and threats.

Setting up a router can be complex, but products such as the Cisco Valet Plus bundle software designed to simplify the process. Cisco's product, priced at $149, does have one limitation: it only operates on the 2.4-GHz frequency band. Organizations or individuals wishing to add a personal web server, storage device, or multimedia server will therefore need a router that supports the 5-GHz band, along with Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connectivity.

Dual-band (5-GHz and 2.4-GHz) routers, such as the D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router — priced at $169 — allow for quicker throughput for file sharing, video streaming, and other demanding applications. It is important to note, however, that a 5-GHz router does not make an Internet connection faster in absolute terms. Internet speeds are ultimately controlled by the Internet Service Provider and the cable or telecom infrastructure at the installation site (Lynn, 2010).

Switches

A standard router typically provides four Ethernet ports for connecting computers, servers, storage drives, and gaming consoles. When additional ports are needed, a network switch can be connected to the router, increasing the number of available ports and allowing more clients and devices (collectively called "nodes") to join the network.

Switches function as connection hubs that link individual computers on the office or home network with other network peripherals (such as printers) and computers via cables. Internally, switches prevent data collisions by directing each data packet only to the specific device that requires it. Most routers and web-sharing devices designed for broadband connections include built-in switches. All twisted-pair networks require some form of switch, and switches have effectively replaced older Ethernet hubs. Switch prices range from roughly $50 to $200 depending on the number of ports offered (Chambers, 2016).

One quality, competitively priced option is the Cisco SG100-16 16-port Gigabit switch, priced at $129. It provides strong network performance at an affordable price, delivering the speed and capacity needed for bandwidth-intensive tasks. It is also an environmentally considerate solution, featuring power-saving options such as Energy-Efficient Ethernet, which optimizes power use and reduces energy consumption without sacrificing performance. The switch is protected by Cisco's Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty and can be used straight out of the box without software installation or configuration.

Conclusion

For the company in question, the following components are recommended for establishing a new network: Dell Optiplex 3010 desktop computers with E2213H 21.5-inch monitors running Windows OS; 10/100 NICs for computers that lack built-in network adapters; the D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit router; Cisco SG100-16 16-port Gigabit switches; Microsoft Small Business Server; the Tripp Lite TLP1008TEL surge protector; and the APC Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BE550G) UPS unit.

References

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Bird, A. O., & Roth, J. C. (2000, April 1). Installation: Surge protection prevents network disasters. Retrieved from http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-8/issue-5/contents/installation/installation-surge-protection-prevents-network-disasters.html

Brown, M. (2012, March 21). How to choose a server for your small business. Retrieved from PC World:

Chambers, M. L. (2016, October). The hardware needed for basic Ethernet networks. Retrieved from Dummies:

Lynn, S. (2010, July 12). How to set up a home or small business network. Retrieved from PC Mag: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366262,00.asp