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The hardware that you will need for setting up your computer network will be the computers, the interface cards, peripherals and whatever is needed to allow data-processing as well as for communicating between the network computers. File servers are needed. They are rather quick computers with a lot of RAM and a fast network card as well as storage. The operating system for the network is on this computer and if data files and/or software applications need to be shared they are here as well. File servers must have a microprocessor that is at least 800 megahertz, preferably more. The hard drive will need to have storage of 120 gigabytes or more. A RAID is needed to keep data if there is a problem with the disk. A tape unit for backup which can be a Zip, JAZ, DAT or CD-RW drive is needed. Another requirement will be several expansion slots and a network interface card (preferably a fast one). Also needed for networking at the very least 512MB of RAM. A network interface card (NIC) is going to provide the connection needed between the computers and the network. All the computers that are connected to the network are workstations. Workstations will be the computers that have been connected to the network. The standard workstation is the computer which has been specifically arranged with the cables, the networking software and a network interface card. The computer does not require a floppy disk drive since files can be kept on the file server. Practically any computer can be a network workstation. What else is needed for the computer network? A router is needed for translating the information to all the networks. This can be compared to a bridge. The router chooses the best way to send a message using the destination address and the origination of the address. It sends the message by routing it to keep it from colliding with other messages. The routers know the computers' addresses and the other routers on the network as well as the bridges. They even know which sections are busier than others and redirect the data until the sections are not so busy. Repeaters are a necessity due to signals losing their strength when they are passed using a cable. The signal may need boosted and this is where a repeater comes in handy. It can transmit the signal by amplifying it and rebroadcast. The repeater can be a single unit. It can also be combined with a concentrator. This is necessary when the length of the network cable is longer than the standard for the cable used. Providing a connection point that is central to the cables from peripherals, servers and workstations is a device called a concentrator. In computer networks often a twisted wire goes from each and every workstation to a central switch. The switches amplify the signal as it goes
from one place to another. Rather than broadcasting network packets, switches or hubs as they are often called, memorise the computer's address and send the data to the right location. So, there you have the many elements that are needed to connect a computer network. This hardware, when attached correctly will allow you to set up your network and start moving data.
Vincent Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Networks, he recommends Prodec Networks.
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