Presentations on the basics of networks, delivered via webinar to charitable organisations.

1. Networking Basics
Ryan Jones

2. What is a network?
• A system of connecting computers
together
• Allows sharing of resources:
– Internet connections
– Data storage
– Printers and scanners
– Computer resources

3. Basic network

4. Basic wireless network

5. Modem
• Connects to the
internet on your
behalf
• Can be connected to
one computer, or a
router to share the
connection
• Specific to your
internet connection,
e.g. ADSL, NBN etc

6. Router
• Connects to the
modem
• Shares the internet
connection to multiple
devices
• E.g. Cisco 890 Series

7. BUT WAIT!
• Consumer grade
ADSL modems are
often routers and
wireless access
points
• These are fine for
small organisations

8. Switch
• Allows you to network
multiple devices
• Can be connected
together
• Available in different
speeds – Gigabit is faster
• Available in multiple
sizes, e.g. 8 port, 24
port, 48 port
E.g.
• Cisco 2960 Series
• D-Link DGS Series

9. Network card
• Allows your computer
to access a network
• Not usually required
for laptops
• Good for older
computers:
– Increase network
speed
– Allow old desktops to
connect to wireless
networks

10. Wireless Access Point
• Connects to your
router to provide
wireless access
• Available in a range
of speeds
• E.g.
– Cisco Aironet range
– D-Link AirPremier

11. How do I know what I
need?
• Check what networks your computers
support
– What wireless standards?802.11a/b/g/n?
– What wired standards? i.e. 10/100? Gigabit?
• How many computers are connecting to
your network?

12. What wireless access
point do I need?
• Check what your
computers support
–
–
–
–
–
802.11b – 11 Mbps
802.11a – 54 Mbps
802.11g – 54 Mbps
802.11n – 300 Mbps
802.11ac – 1300 Mbps

13. What switch do I need?
• You need one port
per computer you’re
connecting
• They can be
networked together to
add more ports

14. More complex networks
• More users = more
complexity
• Multiple wireless
access points
• External antennas for
wireless
• Adaptive Security
Applicances (ASA)

15. Network Storage (NAS)
• Network file storage
• Can hold multiple
hard drives
• Data protection
through RAID
• Perfect for file sharing
or network backups

16. Print Server
• Allows sharing
printers over a
network
• Converts USB
printers to network
connected
• Supports scanning
and fax
• Wireless also
available

17. What can I get through
Connecting Up?
Cisco Donation Program
D-Link Discount Program
• Wireless Access Points
• Switches
• Internet Security
Appliances (ASA)
• Network cards
• Routers
• Accessories
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wireless Access Points
Switches
Network cards
Surveillance equipment
Network storage
Routers
Firewalls

18. Questions