BASIC NETWORKING FOR BEGINERS (LAN)

BASIC NETWORKING FOR BEGINERS (LAN)


LAN(local area network)
Is just two or more computers connected to one another with cables (Ethernet)or some times without cables(wireless).the connected computers can share resources. The resources that the computers share can be anything be it a printer,Internet access,disk space e.t.c.

Network hardware
Networks are made up of both hardware and software. The network hardware provides the physical connections between the network's various nodes and typically includes:

.Network Interface Cards (NICs), one for each PC

.Network devices such as hubs, bridges, routers and switches(if more than two pc are to be connected), that are together responsible for connecting the various segments of a network and for ensuring that packets of information are sent to the intended destination

.Network cables (sheathed copper wiring like telephone cords) which connect each network interface card or network card (NIC) to the hub or switch.

Network interface cards or Network cards (NICs)
Network interface cards or Network cards, commonly referred to as NICs, are used to connect a PC to a network. The NIC provides a physical connection between the networking medium and the computer's internal bus, and is responsible for facilitating an "access method" to the network (OSI Layers 1 and 2).
Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks. Cards are available to support almost all networking standards, including the latest Fast Ethernet environment. Fast Ethernet NICs are often 10/100 capable, and will automatically set to the appropriate speed. Full-duplex networking is another option, where a dedicated connection to a switch allows a NIC to operate at twice the speed.

Hubs/Repeaters
Hubs/repeaters are used to connect together two or more network segments of any media type. In larger designs, signal quality begins to deteriorate as segments exceed their maximum length. Hubs provide the signal amplification required to allow a segment to be extended a greater distance. Passive hubs simply forward any data packets they receive over one port from one workstation to all their remaining ports. Active hubs, also sometimes referred to as "multiport repeaters", regenerate the data bits in order to maintain a strong signal.





The above diagram shows the use of a hub in networking more than two computers




Crossed and Straight cables - when to use them

The following diagram shows the Normal use of Crossed and Straight cables (see also the notes below).


Notes: I show Straight cables as BLUE and Crossed as RED. This does not mean that the cable has to physically be blue or red in color. This is just to make it easier to identify which instance to use the straight or crossed cable.



Crossed cables:- are used for linking two pcs or devices of the same kind e.g a hub and a hub

straight cables:- are used for linking a pc to a hub or switch.

ARE YOU SICK OF BEEN CHARGED AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR ETHERNET PATCH CABLES? WHY NOT MAKE YOURS.

TOOLS NEEDED FOR MAKING NETWORK CABLES (ETHERNET PATCH CABLES)

1. An RJ-45 Crimp tool with wire stripper

2.RJ-45 Connectors

3.Cat5e cable

Note: Cable length Cable length should not exceed 100 meters (328 feet). This distance can be extended with a repeater or hub in the middle.

MAKING YOUR ETHERNET PATCH CABLES
First, start by pulling off the desired cable length from your Box or buy the desired length you will be needing. Remember the maximum length for a cat5 cable is approximately 300 ft. , after this, the performance degrades quickly. When you are satisfied with the length, cut the cable with your crimp tool or a cutter. Remove 1 inch of sheath or rubber jacket from both side. Use the wire stripper that's integrated with your crimp tool. Be careful! You must not cut the little wires inside! If you do, cut off your cable on the side where you messed up, and start again.
Now you should now see 4 pairs of wires sticking out from the blue jacket. Each wire of a solid color is twisted with another one that is striped white like in the diagrame below.

Separate the 4 wires and untwist them. Now arrange the wires following this simple coulor schema( With time when you become coversant with making cables you can create your own coulor schema)

For straight cables



For crossed cables














When you are satisfied with the result, cut the 8 wires leaving about half an inch of them sticking out of the blue jacket. Be sure that all the ends form a straight line; they have to be even if you want them to fit properly in the RJ-45 connector.
Finally, insert the 8 wires in the RJ-45 plug, making sure that the clip is facing down and the end were you are going to insert the cable through is facing you.


Push the wires into the connector. The wires must touch the end of each little corridor. If they don't, remove them, rearrange them, and try again. Be careful when you do this, the wires may end up in the wrong position if you are not careful. Inspect your connector to see if the wires are in the correct order, and if they are, stick the RJ-45 jack in the crimp tool, and crimp it as hard as you can. Now you have your straight or crossed cable.