What is (Computer) Networking?

Networking is the practice of linking computing

devices together with hardware and software that supports data communications
across these devices.

Network File Sharing 101Computer networks allow you to share files with friends,
family, coworkers and customers. Learn about the different methods for file sharing
including Windows, FTP, P2P and Web based.

Connecting Two ComputersThe simplest kind of home network contains exactly two
computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another
peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for
sharing network resources, consider these alternatives.

Basic Network TopologiesOne way to classify computer networks is by their

topology. Common network topologies include the bus, star, and ring.

Network topology is the physical interconnections of the elements (links, nodes,

etc.) of a computer network.[1][2] A local area network (LAN) is one example of a
network that exhibits both a physical topology and a logical topology. Any given
node in the LAN has one or more links to one or more other nodes in the network
and the mapping of these links and nodes in a graph results in a geometrical shape
that may be used to describe the physical topology of the network. Likewise, the
mapping of the data flows between the nodes in the network determines the logical
topology of the network. The physical and logical topologies may or may not be
identical in any particular network.

Point-to-point

The simplest topology is a permanent link between two endpoints (the line in the
illustration above). Switched point-to-point topologies are the basic model of
conventional telephony.
Bus: In local area networks where bus technology is used, each machine is
connected to a single cable. Each computer or server is connected to the single bus
cable through some kind of connector.

Star In local area networks where the star topology is used, each machine is
connected to a central hub. In contrast to the bus topology, the star topology
allows each machine on the network to have a point to point connection to the
central hub. All of the traffic which transverses the network passes through the
central hub.

Ring In local area networks where the ring topology is used, each computer is
connected to the network in a closed loop or ring. Each machine or computer has a
unique address that is used for identification purposes. The signal passes through
each machine or computer connected to the ring in one direction.

Tree Also known as a hierarchical network. The type of network topology in

which a central 'root' node (the top level of the hierarchy) is connected to one or
more other nodes that are one level lower in the hierarchy (i.e., the second level)
with a point-to-point link between each of the second level nodes and the top level
central 'root' node, while each of the second level nodes that are connected to the
top level central 'root' node will also have one or more other nodes that are one
level lower in the hierarchy (i.e., the third level) connected to it, also with a point-
to-point link, the top level central 'root' node being the only node that has no other
node above it in the hierarchy (The hierarchy of the tree is symmetrical.)

Network RoutersA router is a small hardware device that joins multiple networks
together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks, and the
Internet.

What Is a Network Protocol?Protocols serve as a language of communication among

network devices. Network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP provide a
foundation that much of the Internet is built on. Find out more about these
protocols and how they work.

What Is a Server?In computer networking, a server is a computer designed to

process requests and deliver data to other computers over a local network or the
Internet. Common types of network servers include Web, proxy and FTP servers.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol TCP/IP provides

connection-oriented communication between network devices. TCP/IP is very
commonly used both on the Internet and in home computer networks.

FirewallsA network firewall guards a computer against unauthorized network

access. Firewalls are one of the essential elements of a safe home or business
network.

Networking Basics: SwitchA network switch is a small hardware device that joins
multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in
important ways from both routers and hubs.
Network AddressesNetwork addresses give computers unique identities they can
use to communicate with each other. Specifically, IP addresses and MAC addresses
are used on most home and business networks.

What is Client/Server Networking?The term client/server refers to a model utilizing

networked client and server computers and application software. Web, FTP, email,
DNS and many other database applications are client-server systems.

What is Peer-to-Peer Networking?Peer to peer networks share responsibility for

processing data among all of the connected devices. Peer-to-peer networking (also
known simply as peer networking) differs from client-server networking in several
respects.

What Is a Network Name?A network name is a string that computing devices use to
identify a specific computer network. Network names are typically different from
names of individual computers or the addresses computers use to identify each
other.

How is Network Performance Measured?The performance or "speed" of a computer

network is normally measured in units of bits per second (bps). This quantity can
represent either an actual data rate or a theoretical limit to available network
bandwidth. The related units of Kbps, Mbps, Gbps represent increasingly larger
multiples

What Is the WWW?The term "WWW" refers to the open development phase of the
Internet in the 1990s. The WWW comprises a global network of Web sites
accessible on the Internet.

What Is a URL?URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) identify by name Web servers

and individual Web pages stored on those servers, anywhere on the Internet.

What Is a URI?A URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) names both local and remote
Internet resources similar to URLs.

What Is Broadband Internet Access?The term "broadband" refers to a

communications technique for transmitting multiple simultaneous data channels.
Broadband is a popular form of high-speed Internet access.

What Is Dial Up Internet Access?Dial up networking technology provides PCs and

other network devices access to a LAN or WAN via telephone lines. Dial up Internet
service providers offer subscription plans for home computer users.

What Is Satellite Internet Access?Satellite Internet is a form of high-speed Internet

service. Satellite Internet utilizes telecommunications satellites in Earth orbit to
provide wireless Internet access to consumers. Satellite Internet covers many areas
where DSL and cable services are unavailable.

Can A Home Network Share Two Internet Connections?Multi-homing allows one

local area network to share multiple connections to the Internet. Some people
would like to configure their home network for multi-homing, to share two Internet
connections for increased speed.

What Is Cloud Computing?Cloud computing consists of commercial third-party

hardware and software services available via the Internet. These services typically
provide access to software applications and high-end server computers. Some
providers offer cloud computing services for free while others require a paid
subscription.

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital NetworkISDN supports simultaneous voice and

data network connectivity over ordinary telephone lines. ISDN emerged as an
alternative to traditional dial-up networking during the 1990s, but more recently its
popularity has waned.

What Is a Default Gateway?In computer networking, a default gateway is the

device that passes traffic from the local subnet to devices on other subnets. On
home networks, the router serves as the default gateway.

What Is a Network Backbone?In computer networking, a backbone is a central

conduit designed to transfer network traffic at high speeds. Backbones typically
consist of network routers and switches connected by fiber optic or Ethernet cables.

Top 802.11g Wireless Routers for HomeThe 802.11g standard supports much faster
peer networking than the older 802.11b standard. These routers are designed to
share a broadband Internet connection and usually contain a built-in firewall, DHCP
server, and network switch.

Introduction to HubsA hub is a very simple hardware device that supports basic file
sharing between computers connected with network cables.

FireWire - IEEE 1394FireWire is a high performance networking standard based on

a serial bus architecture similar to USB. You can use FireWire cables and
connections for fast local file transfer.

What Is a Layer 3 Switch?Traditional network switches operate at Layer 2 of the

OSI model while network routers operate at Layer 3. This often leads to confusion
over the definition of Layer 3 switch. Layer 3 switches actually differ very little from
routers.

BridgeIn computer networking, a bridge divides a LAN into two segments,

selectively forwarding traffic across the network boundary it defines. A bridge is not
quite the same as a switch.

RepeaterRepeaters extend the distance a network can span by ensuring good signal
quality.

RS-232RS-232 is a telecommunications standard for connecting certain types of

electronic equipment. RS-232 interfaces called ports are used on many older PC
computers and modems.
What is Wireless NetworkingIn computer networking, wireless technology is a
modern alternative to networks that use cables. A wireless network transmits data
by microwave and other radio signals.

Benefits of (Wireless) NetworkingAny kind of network technology (either wired or

wireless) increases the usefulness of home and business computers. Wireless
networks offer even more benefits than wired ones.

VPN - Virtual Private NetworkingVPN consists of private network access over public
connections. A VPN can provide secure but more cost-effective LAN-WAN
communication.

What Is a VPN?A Virtual Private Network (VPN) implements private networks over
public infrastructure

Benefits of a VPNAdvantages of a VPN over alternative technologies include

improved scalability and cost savings particularly for wireless networking and
network management.

Do Virtual Private Networks Run Over Satellite Internet?VPN and satellite Internet
technologies were not designed to work together. However, it is possible to
establish virtual private networks over satellite connections in many situations.

VPN TunnelingA Virtual Private Network uses tunneling technology to establish

private connections through public networks like the Internet.

PPTP - VPN Tunneling ProtocolPPTP is a network protocol (based on PPP) used in

the implementation of Virtual Private Networks. Short for Point-to-Point Tunneling
Protocol, a new technology for creating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) , developed
jointly by Microsoft Corporation, U.S. Robotics, and several remote access vendor
companies, known collectively as the PPTP Forum. A VPN is a private network of
computers that uses the public Internet to connect some nodes. Because the
Internet is essentially an open network, the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
(PPTP) is used to ensure that messages transmitted from one VPN node to another
are secure. With PPTP, users can dial in to their corporate network via the Internet.

IPsec VPNIPsec is a technology standard for implementing encryption and

authentication with Internet Protocol, most commonly for a Virtual Private Network.

Introduction to Proxy ServersA proxy server acts an intermediate gateway between

you and your Internet connection. Anonymous proxies including CGI proxy servers
can improve the safety and privacy when navigating the Internet.

BluetoothBluetooth is one way to make a cell phone or PDA communicate on

wireless networks. Bluetooth technology is fairly slow and short range, but you can
do some very useful things with it.

Definition of VoIP - What is VoIP? Voice over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows
telephone calls to be made over computer networks like the Internet. VoIP converts
analog voice signals into digital data packets and supports real-time, two-way
transmission of conversations using Internet Protocol (IP).

As with all other communications protocol, TCP/IP is composed of layers:

IP - is responsible for moving packet of data from node to node. IP forwards each packet based
on a four byte destination address (the IP number). The Internet authorities assign ranges of
numbers to different organizations. The organizations assign groups of their numbers to
departments. IP operates on gateway machines that move data from department to organization
to region and then around the world.

TCP - is responsible for verifying the correct delivery of data from client to server. Data can be
lost in the intermediate network. TCP adds support to detect errors or lost data and to trigger
retransmission until the data is correctly and completely received.

Sockets - is a name given to the package of subroutines that provide access to TCP/IP on most
systems.

Token ring local area network (LAN) technology is a local area network protocol
which resides at the data link layer (DLL) of the OSI model. It uses a special three-
byte frame called a token that travels around the ring. Token ring frames travel
completely around the loop.

Ethernet is a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local

area networks (LANs). The name comes from the physical concept of the ether. It
defines a number of wiring and signaling standards for the Physical Layer of the OSI
networking model, through means of network access at the Media Access Control
(MAC) /Data Link Layer, and a common addressing format

WAN - Wide Area Network

As the term implies, a WAN spans a large physical distance. The Internet is the
largest WAN, spanning the Earth.

A WAN is a geographically-dispersed collection of LANs. A network device called a

router connects LANs to a WAN. In IP networking, the router maintains both a LAN
address and a WAN address.

A WAN differs from a LAN in several important ways. Most WANs (like the Internet)
are not owned by any one organization but rather exist under collective or
distributed ownership and management. WANs tend to use technology like ATM,
Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over the longer distances.

LAN - Local Area Network

A LAN connects network devices over a relatively short distance. A networked office
building, school, or home usually contains a single LAN, though sometimes one
building will contain a few small LANs (perhaps one per room), and occasionally a
LAN will span a group of nearby buildings. In TCP/IP networking, a LAN is often but
not always implemented as a single IP subnet.

In addition to operating in a limited space, LANs are also typically owned,

controlled, and managed by a single person or organization. They also tend to use
certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token Ring.

• LAN - Local Area Network

• WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
• WAN - Wide Area Network
• MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
• SAN - Storage Area Network, System Area Network, Server Area Network, or
sometimes Small Area Network
• CAN - Campus Area Network, Controller Area Network, or sometimes Cluster
Area Network
• PAN - Personal Area Network
• DAN - Desk Area Network

Troubleshooting network connection problems

Although you can fix most problems yourself, if you can't fix a problem, it's helpful
to know which layer is causing it so that you can contact the right organization for
support.

To identify which layer is causing the problem

1 Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2 Click Network and Internet Connections.

3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections.

4 In the Network Connections window, examine the status of your network adapter:

•Connected. Your computer is properly connected to your modem, router, or

wireless network, but there is a problem between your router and the Internet.
Read Windows XP says your network adapter is connected.

•Disabled. Someone has manually disabled the network adapter. To fix the
problem, right-click the adapter, and then click Enable.
•Unplugged. Your computer cannot detect the connection to your modem or
router. Read Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged.

•Not connected. Your computer cannot connect to your wireless network. Read
Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows XP-based wireless networks in the small office
or home office.

•Limited or no connectivity. Your computer is properly connected to your

modem, router, or wireless network, but your router is misconfigured or there is a
problem between your modem and the Internet. Read Windows XP says your
network adapter has limited or no connectivity.

5 If your network adapter does not appear in the Network Connections window, it
has not been properly installed. Uninstall the driver and network adapter as
described in Troubleshoot device driver problems. Then reinstall the network
adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions or by following the instructions
in Install a network adapter.

Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged

If Microsoft Windows XP indicates that your network adapter is unplugged, it could

be because of several different problems. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the
problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network connection starts to
work.)

1 Verify that both ends of the network cable are properly connected, as described in
Set up a wired network.

2 If the cable is properly connected, verify that your modem and router are plugged
in and turned on.

3 If you have more than one network port available in your router, plug the cable
into a different port. If the network connection works, the original port on your
router is faulty. However, you can continue to use the other ports.

4 Replace the network cable with a new cable. You might have a faulty network
cable.

5 The network adapter on your computer might have failed. If possible, connect a
different computer to the same network cable. If the connection works, the problem
is with your network adapter. Contact your computer manufacturer for support, or
install a new network adapter. If the new computer also fails to connect and you
have already tried a new network cable, your network hardware (the device you
connect the network cable to) has failed. Contact technical support for the network
hardware, or replace it.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your
computer's network adapter, the network cable, or your network equipment, and
then either replaced or repaired the failed device.

Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity

If Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity, it could be

due to several different problems, including a failed Internet connection, a
misconfigured router, or a misconfigured network adapter. Follow these steps to
troubleshoot the problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network
connection starts to work.)

1 In the Network Connections window, right-click your network adapter, and then
click Repair. For detailed instructions, read Repairing network connections.

2 Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is
the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable
connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your
modem back in again.

3 If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which
device might be your router, look for the device that has at least two network
cables: one that connects to your modem; and another that connects to your
computer. You may also have a wireless router, which would be connected to your
modem and would have one or more antennas. Wait one minute, and then plug
your router back in again.

4 Restart your computer.

5 If your network adapter still shows "Limited or no connectivity" and you have
customized your router's configuration, verify that the router has DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol) enabled. Enable DHCP, and then restart your
computer. DHCP automatically assigns an Internet Protocol (IP) address to your
computer, which uniquely identifies your computer on your network. For
instructions on how to enable DHCP for your router, refer to your router's
documentation.

6 If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to
your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your
computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with
your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.
7 If your network adapter still indicates "Limited or no connectivity" when your
computer is connected directly to your modem, contact your Internet service
provider (ISP) for support. To speed up the troubleshooting process, describe the
steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem, router, and
computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem. The "Limited or
no connectivity" error message indicates that your computer is properly connected
to your home network; however, the ISP's DHCP server is not assigning it an IP
address. This problem could be caused by a failed DHCP server on the ISP's
network, a failed modem, or a problem with your Internet connection. Alternatively,
the ISP may require you to use a "static" IP address, which only its support staff
can help you configure.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router,
your modem, or your Internet connection, and then either reconfigured or repaired
the failed component.

Windows XP says your network adapter is connected, but you can't reach
the Internet

If you reached this section, your computer is probably connected to your home
network properly, but there is a failure with your router, modem, or Internet
connection. In this case:

1 First, verify that you can't reach the Internet. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer,
and attempt to connect to the following Web sites: http://www.microsoft.com/,
http://www.msn.com/, and http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/. If any of the
Web sites open correctly, your Internet connection is functioning properly. If all of
the Web sites fail to open, continue following these steps.

2 Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is
the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable
connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your
modem back in again.

3 If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which
device might be your router, look for the device that is connected directly to your
modem. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in again.

4 Restart your computer.

5 If you have more than one computer on your network, turn the other computers
off. Also, close any network applications that you might have open, including file
sharing and peer-to-peer applications. These applications can consume so much
bandwidth that they might prevent you from being able to browse the Web. Repeat
step 1 to retest your Internet connection. If the connection works now, the problem
is that one of your applications is consuming too much of your Internet bandwidth
or attempting to connect to too many different computers. Close the application, or
configure it to use less bandwidth or fewer connections.

6 If you have previously configured your computer with a static IP address (for
example, to connect to your office network), you probably need an automatic IP
address at home. Fortunately, you can configure Windows XP to use both by
following the steps in Automatic configuration for multiple networks.

7 If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to
your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your
computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with
your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.

8 If possible, connect a different computer to your modem, and attempt to access

the Internet. If the computer is able to access the Internet, you might have a
problem with your Web browser. Contact your computer manufacturer for support.

9 Your modem or your Internet connection has failed. To resolve the problem,
contact your ISP technical support. To speed up the troubleshooting process,
describe the steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem,
router, and computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router,
modem, Internet connection, or Web browser, and then either reconfigured or
repaired the failed component.

For the personal information manager included in the Microsoft Office suite, see
Microsoft Outlook

Outlook Express was an e-mail/news client that was included with Internet
Explorer versions 4.0 through 6.0. As such, it was also bundled with several versions
of Microsoft Windows, from Windows 98 to Windows XP, and was available for
Windows 95 and Mac OS 9. In Windows Vista, Outlook Express is replaced with
Windows Mail. Windows Live Mail has since been released as the successor to
Outlook Express and Windows Mail. Microsoft Entourage, sold as part of Microsoft
Office for Macintosh, has replaced the Macintosh version