If you were asked to build a small, Internet-connected network from scratch, what would you need to do?
You would need to buy some hardware:
You would need to buy some hardware:
- One or more switches / hubs - to link devices together
- Network cables to connect devices to the switch, etc.
- A separate wireless access point (or this could be part of the switch) - to allow wireless devices (e.g. laptops or smart-phones) to join the network
- A router to connect your LAN to the Internet (WAN)
- A firewall to protect your network from hackers
- Possibly a bridge if you already have a section of network and you want your new network to connect to it
- Server(s) to manage network functions such as network security, network file storage, shared resources (such as printers)
- Set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Get an Internet connection installed from the ISP to your location
- Configure various bits of hardware and software so that everything worked with the network
For any network that is more complex than a small home network, there is a lot to do.
It's not just a case of buying the parts and connecting them together...
It's not just a case of buying the parts and connecting them together...
- Routers and switches have to be configured (settings changed)
- Network devices need to be given network addresses
- Software needs to be configured to use the network
- Etc...
