INTRODUCTION

Computer networking has become an integral part of every day life. The following articles aims to provide you with the technical and practical information about Networking. In this network tutorial you will find introduction to Ethernet, Key Definitions, Network Cabling and general overview of the network devices.

ETHERNET

Ethernet was design by Robert Metcalfe (1973) and through the efforts of Digital, Intel and Xerox. Ethernet is a protocol that controls the way data is transmitted over a LAN (local area network). Ethernet was so named to describe the way that cabling could similarly carry data everywhere throughout the network. In the beginning, Ethernet supported a maximum data rate of 10Mbps. Later, fast Ethernet standards increased this maximum data rate to 100Mbps. In those days, Gigabit Ethernet technology extends performance up to 1000Mbps. Ethernet is standardized as IEEE 802.3. 3 Ethernet supports networks built with twisted-pair (10BaseT), thin and thick coaxial (10Base2 and 10Base5, respectively), and fiber-optic (10BaseF) cabling. Fast Ethernets can be built with twisted-pair (100BaseT) and fiber-optic (100BaseF) cabling

STANDARD TOPOLOGIES OF NETWORKING

In computer networking, topolog y refers to the layout of connected devices. Network topologies are categorized into the following types: bus, star, ring, tree and mesh. Networks can be also built as hybrid of two or more of those topologies. Network Topology Diagrams.

BUS TOPOLOGY: A bus topology is a network architecture in which a set of clients are connected via a shared communications line, called a BUS. Ethernet bus topologies are relatively easy to install and don't require much cabling compared to the star topology. Disadvantage of a Bus topology is difficulty to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down. Another disadvantage is entire network shuts down if there is a brake in the main cable.

STAR TOPOLOGY: Star Topology is the most common type of network topology that is used in homes and offices. Star network consists of one central switch, hub or computer, which acts as a conduit to transmit messages. The star topology reduces the chance of network failure by connecting all of the systems to a central node. Advantage of this topology is better performance, isolation of devices, benefits from centralization and simplicity. Disadvantage of a star topology is the high dependence of the system on the functioning of the central hub.

RING TOPOLOGY: T he ring topology is a type of computer network configuration where each network computer and device is connected to each other forming a large circle or similar shape. Each packet is sent around the ring until it reaches its final destination. Ring Topology performs better than a star topology under heavy network load. On the other hand one malfunctioning computer can create problems for the entire network.

TREE TOPOLOGY: Tree Topology is a combination of the bus and the Star Topology. The tree like structure allows you to have many servers on the network and you can branch out the network in many ways. Advantage of this topology is point to point wiring for individual segments. Disadvantage is, if the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.

MESH TOPOLOGY: A type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. This type of topology is not commonly used for most computer networks as it is difficult to wire and expensive.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF NETWORK

There are several types of network for connecting computers, printers, routers, switches and other devices in a home, small office or building.

-Twisted Pair Ethernet: Twisted pair wire looks much like telephone wire. Maximum distance for twisted pair is 100m (325Ft). These come in grades as Cat3, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7.

*Cat3: support transmission up to 10Mbps

*Cat5 : support transmission up to 100Mbps

*Cat5e : enhanced version of Cat5 cable. It is capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 1000Mbps. This is right now most popular wiring for home or small office

*Cat6: support transmission up to 1000Mbps. Cat6 was designed to perform at frequency of up to 250Mhz

*Cat6a: support transmission up to 10Gbps. Cat6a was design to perform at frequency of up to 500Mhz

*Cat7: support transmission up to 10Gbps. Cat7 was design to perform at frequency of up to 600Mhz. Individual pairs and whole cable are shielded.

*Rarely used. -Coax Cable Ethernet: Similar like twisted pair Ethernet, but use RG59 or RG6 wires. Maximum distance for Coax Ethernet is about 185m (607Ft).

-Fiber Optic Network: Fiber Optic Cables support very high data rates and distance up to few kilometers

- Wireless Network: Very popular because no wires are needed. On the other hand, range and reliability vary with wall materials. Security is relatively poor .

* What is the diffrence between Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet Cables?

* Ethernet Cables Terminology, UTP, STP, Plenum etc.

* Ethernet Outdoor Cables. How to pick the rigt one.

* What is a Crossover Cable?

* How to make Cat5e Ethernet Cable. Instructional Video.

* How to make Cat6 Ethernet Cable. Instructional Video.

* How to make Cat5e Crossover Cable. Instructional Video.

* How to make Cat6 Crossover Cable. Instructional Video .

* Cat5e Ethernet Cable Data Sheet.

* Cat6 Ethernet Cable DataSheet.

* Cat5e Crossover Cable Data Sheet.

* Cat6 Crosover Cable Data Sheet.