A computer network is simply defined as a collection of computers interconnected to each other by various media. Networking allows people to share different data or resources and communicate from various places. In an ever-increasing fast-paced world, communication or connectivity has become a necessity to every business worldwide. Computer networks have allowed mobility and portability to become a norm in most businesses worldwide, therefore highlighting the need for more networking tools to improve the computer networking architecture of an organization.

Getting Connected: A Brief History of Computer Networking

If we take the account of the whole history of wired network, it has come a long way since Alexander Graham-Bell invented the telephone. However, we will focus more on the roots of computer networking which started in the 1950s. Back then, offices had big supercomputers that often processed computation by batches of punched cards corresponding to data. Often, it took one whole day to have one batch processed because back then, processors were very expensive—productivity was a luxury (?). Later in the 1960s, micro-processors became cheaper and the need for connecting more computers to each other grew larger. The wide area network or WAN was first developed. The US Department of Defense pioneered ARPANET, the predecessor of the World Wide Web. In the field of local area network or LAN, the development of smaller but more powerful computers has enabled processing data faster and easier. A mainframe connected to several personal computers was one of the earliest set-ups for LANs. As both WAN and LAN were integrated in the late 1980s, so were information sharing and improvement of computer network infrastructure. The development of Ethernet, fiber optics and others has made high-speed connection possible. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee and his team at CERN developed the World Wide Web--and it has revolutionized data sharing and communication tremendously. From that point on, computer connectivity has been inevitable.

While cabled or physical connection is the preferred mode of connection, the growing number of portable devices have pushed the development for another technology of connectivity—wireless. Like the telephone is to the wired computer network, the radio and its frequency have been the source of inspiration. From Tesla and Marconi’s work, wireless network has made progress. However, it was also in the early 1990s when WiFi technology was developed by NCR Corporation and AT&T which revolutionized connecting computers and other portable devices through a wireless network.

Classifying Networking

Computer networks can be classified according to several attributes/types/functions: Connection method, the scope, network topology and architecture. However, we will focus on the first two classifications.

Connecting different devices or computers into a network or system can be done in two ways; one is through wired connection which uses cables such as the twisted pair copper cables, coaxial cables and optical cables for transferring information in the system. Another way of connecting devices to a network is through wireless connectivity—transferring or sharing data without the use of wires. This is made possible by using radio frequencies emitted from wireless routers. Wireless network has made mobility at work more attainable.

In terms of scope, we have the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN). The former is a network which is limited to a geographical area like home, school building or office, while the latter deals with network connection that may span distances—inter-state or even inter-continental. Another classification of a computer network is the backbone network (BBN) that serves as a link of exchange for several LAN or networks.

Network topology deals with the functional coordination of each computer, node or hub within the network. This, in turn, may be in physical setup or on logical functions.

Network Devices

Businesses today put emphasis on its reliable connection within its organization and through the rest of the world. PC Mall offers the highest quality of network devices and network solutions with best deals to optimize the potential of your business.

Connecting computers and other devices would not be complete without cables. Conveniently connect your multimedia devices to a TV screen or monitor with PC Mall's selection of high quality AV cables. Fiber optic cables are ideal for Ethernet or local access network and telephony connection.

However, if you like the air to be the mode of your network connection for your mobile devices, PC Mall has a selection quality of wireless network devices that would connect your devices conveniently, without the cables and without the worries. The wireless business routers are the most popular connection medium that creates WiFi hotspots. They also have built-in security protection to securely share information within the wireless network.

Network switches and hubs provide sharing of internet and intranet connection to different devices given a dedicated bandwidth for a smooth connection.

Expanding the scope of your network is easy using repeaters or transceivers. The former “cleans up” the noise accumulated while a signal travels within a cable, while the latter amplifies the Wi-Fi signal emanating from a wireless router. Related to these are WAN bridges that not only clean and rebroadcast a signal passing through the network, it also manages bandwidth traffic.

Expand the capabilities of connecting your notebook computers or desktops to the network using a network card or a network adapter. Portable USB network adapter can fit in your notebook computers and is ideal for people on the go.

KVM switches provide ease of access to use multiple computers with a single keyboard, video or monitor and a mouse. KVM switches are useful for users who like to access two or more computers within the vicinity.

Protecting servers and other networking devices from the elements and any malicious activities is an imperative investment to businesses nowadays. The rack enclosures provide solutions in organizing and securing your networking devices. While physical protection is needed, guarding your network from malicious attacks coming from the internet or prevent unwanted information leaking out from your network by using internet security appliances are equally crucial/necessary.

Network devices are sensitive with temperature changes. Overheating may destroy the device or may become a fire hazard. Rack air distribution or cooling units provide ventilation for your servers and other network devices, for a smooth operation and controlled temperature.

Finally, increase your productivity by using unified communication tools such as integrated IP phones which provide clear and crisp connection, wherever you may be.