Networks for Dummies

Transcription

1 Networks for Dummies 2014 Northern Wisconsin District Teachers Conference Presented by Adam Mateske Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School, Appleton

2 What is a network? A computer network is NOT like the networks in Terminator or Matrix movies. A computer network consists of two or more computers connected by a cable or wireless connection

3 Why have a network? 1) Share files 2) Share resources 1) Hard drives 2) Printers 3) Internet connection 3) Share programs

4 What types of networks? Peer-to-peer All computers on the network are equal. Server-based One (or more) computers dedicated for the task of providing shared resources.

5 Peer-to-peer networks Networking features are already built into Windows PCs and Macs. File sharing Windows 7/8 HomeGroup Mac Shared Folder Internet connection sharing Printer sharing

6 Server-based networks Server operating systems handle networking functions efficiently. Windows Server 2012 (2008, 2003) ($) Mac Server OS ($) Linux (free) (difficult to setup)

7 Other server-based options Add a network attached storage (NAS) device to your network Synology DiskStation Western Digital MyCloud Iomega StorCenter Add network-ready printers to your network Wired or wireless options Add a router/gateway device to your network Assign IP addresses Shared Internet connection

8 How do I connect everything? Network interface NIC (100/1000) wireless CAT 5e/6 network cables Used in telecommunications industry Older wires in building? Check for possible upgrades. Switch A device that connects to every computer on the network.

9 How do I connect everything? Wireless Access Points Provides network access for wireless devices Connects to switch Router Connects two networks (typically your internal network to the Internet) Modem Provides Internet service to your building. Connects to router.

10 Network Jargon IP Address Internet Protocol address: a numerical label assigned to each device on the network TCP/IP Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol: the basic protocol by which computers on a network talk to each other DHCP DNS Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: a networking protocol used to allocate and assign IP addresses to computers on the network Domain Name System: TCP/IP facility that allows for the use of names rather than numbers to refer to computers

11 Best networking practices Make a network plan Don t make technical decisions too quickly! Allows for thoughtful consideration of each device (and its purpose!) Write the plan down & keep it updated

12 Best networking practices Keep inventory Make/model, processor, HD, RAM, OS DHCP Have only one device assigning IP addresses (router/server) Switches Consider gigabit switches (faster data transfer speeds) $

13 Internet Bandwidth Check your bandwidth during non-busy time More networked devices means less bandwidth Using tablets/chromebooks/laptops? If Internet is laggy, might be time for an upgrade E-Rate Federal telecommunications discount for schools Discounts start at 20%

14 WiFi Home access points OK to use for 10 or less concurrent users Small business access points better for concurrent users Enterprise access points best for up to 100+ concurrent users Dual band radios (2.4 & 5.0 Ghz) At least Wireless-N (backwards compatible g/b/a) Recommendation UniFi APs from Ubiquiti Networks ( Buy individually ($65) or 3-pack ($180) Built-in controller software (configure guest access)

15 Content Filtering If discounts from E-Rate, comply with Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Enforce Christian digital citizenship Many providers SonicWall ( Security-Appliances.html) Lightspeed ( Barracuda ( Cisco ( Untangle ( FREE OpenDNS ( FREE for home users

16 Q&A

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18 NETWORKING FOR DUMMIES DOUG LOWE