Computer networks were once the exclusive domain of large companies and large government organizations that linked computing resources together. Today, many small businesses rely on computer networks, and even many home users have networks set up so that several users can connect to the Internet and to common peripherals·such as scanners and printers·through the network. This research considers the terminology used in networking, some of the common hardware types and their purposes, and how a small network might be set up in a small business to greatest efficiency.
Until recently, all network components were physically connected through cables of one type or another. In recent years, wireless networks·including 802.11a, b and g have become commonplace. This research examines wired rather than wireless networking options. In a wired network, cables could take several different forms. Copper and fiber optic are the most common cable types. Cat5, or Category 5, cable refers to copper cable comprised of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated with an RJ-45 connector. The cable was terminated according to a 586A or 586B configuration. In a 586A configuration, Pins 1 and 2 are green stripe and green, respectively, Pins 3 and 6 are yellow stripe and yellow, respectively, Pins 4 and 5 are blue stripe and blue, respectively, and Pins 7 and 8 are brown stripe and brown, respectively. In the 586B configuration, the yellow and green wires are in opposite positions, with stripes being substituted for stripes, and solids for solids. Straight through cables·used for connecting a computer to a hub, router or switch, use 586A terminations at both ends of the cable. Cross-over cables·used for connecting network components to one another, such as a router to a router or a computer to a computer·use a 586A termination at one end and a 586B termination at the other ("How to Make," 2005).
As already noted, twisted pair cables ar...