Networks and Communications

2. Equipment You Need

2.1 Most businesses will need to purchase a network server.

A server is a computer used to administer the network and store all the key files in your computer system. A standard desktop computer can be used but busy networks will benefit from installing a high-performance computer designed specifically for use as a server.

See Network servers for information on choosing a network server.

• A business with only a few computers (fewer than ten) may keep it simple by using peer-to-peer networking.

2.2 You will need a hub or switch to use the star topology.

• Even if your network is currently using 10BaseT, check that your hub can cope with 100BaseT for faster transmission, in case you need to run your network at higher speeds in the future.
• Choose a stackable hub for when you want to connect more computers to your network.
• Ensure that the hub is compatible with your network management software.
• Consider a maintenance agreement for the hub as your entire network will be unusable if the hub fails.

2.3 Each computer or device (such as a network printer) needs a network adaptor card to enable it to transfer information over the network.

• Choose a network adaptor that supports the transmission standard you are using. As with cabling, the most flexible for most businesses will be a 10/100BaseT adaptor.
• Each adaptor includes software to allow the computer to communicate with the adaptor. Windows users should choose a plug-and-play adaptor that automatically configures the computer.

2.4 Each desktop computer linked to a network server needs to be configured to communicate with the other computers on the network. See Network servers for information on the kinds of software you can run over a network.