In the office of any company, the fleet of which has more than two computers, all computing systems are integrated into a single network. This makes it possible to instantly exchange information, control the operation of any devices or share the ability to print data.
Moreover, the more computers, the more acute the need for such a connection. There are a huge number of large and small firms that carry out the installation of
computer networks. The cost of their services also varies. Note that the subsequent maintenance of computer networks is usually carried out by representatives of the same company that disconnected the Network. Sometimes this proves to be a very useful “bonus”.
To whom to entrust work
There are several ways to solve the issue of creating a local network. We already mentioned one - to invite a third-party organization. At the same time, it does not matter at all whether she has a license for such work, or whether it is a semi-official private office. In any case, you will have to pay for their services. The advantages of this solution include quality, due to the specialization of the performers and the speed of completion of the facility, as they usually work in groups. It is also possible to easily solve related problems, for example, to create the much-needed bridge “local area network-Internet”.
People involved in installation usually know where the offices of the nearest providers are and how best to organize an “exit” to them. With a large fleet of machines, it is more expedient to attract employees of specialized companies capable of installing a local network: the prices for their services are constantly falling due to market competition. So, installing a corrugated pipe for a cable will cost from 25 rubles. per meter, but for a metal box will have to pay at least 150 rubles. Laying a cable in a plastic channel costs 10 rubles, while an airway running along poles will require almost 45 rubles. per meter. The use of a perforator for the breakdown of a 5 cm interfloor plate will require more than 500 rubles. Again, the prices quoted by us are indicative, as there is enormous competition in the market.
The second method is more economical. It consists in the assignment of work to a full-time system administrator (specialist in servicing computing equipment). Still, for a person who has even basic skills in this area, installing a local network is not particularly difficult.
Analysis of existing conditions
Installation of a local network always begins with a study of existing communications, the possibility of laying cables, potential locations for installing intermediate devices, and so on.
It also takes into account the location of workstations, their productivity,
operating systems and the need for further expansion of the network.
Requirements
The simplest local area network between computers can be made by simply connecting Ethernet connectors with a twisted-pair cable of the required length. However, this is possible only for simple networks with a small number of workstations. Therefore, a list of programs with which it is planned to work is compiled, and on its basis the necessary protocols and network services are determined. Important is the ability of staff to work with the selected operating system.
Simplest solution
The more computers in the organization, the more difficult the installation of a local network. For a small office with less than five workstations, you can use a system with a switch. This device is also called a “switch”; on its case there is a light indication of operation, several Ethernet connectors and an external power supply unit.
A
5-port model costs less than 700 rubles. Installing a
LAN based on the switch is very simple. It is necessary to extend the twisted pair cable to it from each workstation and make the connection. First you need to determine the length of each branch and compress the cable at all ends by installing connectors. This can be done at any computer store for a few rubles. Other office equipment that can work via Ethernet is also connected to the switch socket. It remains only to supply power to the equipment and perform software settings in the operating system. It is worth cautioning against the acquisition of the so-called “hub”. Externally, this device looks like a “switch”, but the internal algorithm is simplified, which makes the network based on it less flexible.
The cable can be fixed with brackets to the baseboard, laid in neat plastic boxes or left behind the wall sheathing panels. It is important that the length of each section does not exceed 100 m. Almost 100 Mbit network is operational and at large distances, but there is no point in experimenting.
Complicated Topology
However, other schemes that combine a larger number of workstations are much more often used. For example, if there are several rooms in a building, then a solution involving the use of several switches can be used. So, all computing computers in the same room are connected to their switch. A line stretches from it to the same device serving another room. For computers, these intermediate routers are completely transparent. By the way, their use allows you to overcome the limit on the length of the line. By analogy with cell towers, which amplify the signal and transmit it further down the chain.
Freedom from wires
The advent of low-cost Wi-Fi adapters and routers on the market has allowed the installation of computer networks without the use of cables. This is a great solution, giving a lot of new opportunities. For example, anyone can open access to a special page with advertising type information.
You can create a wireless network that includes more than a dozen workstations in several ways. In order to save money, it’s enough to purchase a router, configure it to broadcast some specific SSID and specify passwords for access. Each computer is equipped with the simplest Wi-Fi adapter, using the operating system, a frequency scan is performed, the desired network is detected and connected to it.
You can do otherwise: combine closely located workstations using a switch and Ethernet technology, but connect a router to the communicator, expanding the ability to connect new computing systems. In general, combining wired and Wi-Fi solutions allows you to build a truly “flexible” network. True, you first need to carefully think through everything, develop a topology (exactly how workstations will be combined). Maintenance of computer networks of such an implementation requires more skilled workers, which must be taken into account.
Access to Internet Resources
A local network that allows computers in an organization to exchange information is, of course, a great solution. However, without access to the Internet, it is impossible to imagine a modern office or even a home computing system. Now this issue can be solved quite simply. Usually a cable runs from a switch to a specialized router, and the line of the provider company is connected to it. It is highly desirable if this device will allow you to make a correction in the algorithm of its work. For example, it is often required to block access to some sites, ICQ, Skype, as well as keep track of consumed traffic.
The nuances of installing a wired network
The usual Ethernet cable, which is sold in every computer equipment store , is not designed for outdoor installation and fails in 2-5 years, depending on weather conditions. Therefore, if necessary, street exclusion, it is necessary to use corrugated pipes, plastic boxes. In the spans between buildings and poles, the cable should be attached to a stretched wire-string, which will save it from a rush due to bad weather. Moreover, the garter should allow its slight displacement in order to compensate for the change in length in winter and summer.
Even if the network is working, then periodically it is necessary to perform maintenance of all its nodes. It is much easier to prevent a malfunction than to deal with its consequences later.