Network Hardware - July 14th, 2008 by Diplomat Guru
Previously called a hub the workgroup switch is the box into which every network connection is made. This box simply provides the connectivity between all wired components on the network.Hub v Switch
Until recently switch technology was very expensive and networks were connected by network hubs. Although physically similar to a switch the hub could only repeat messages on all its connections. This meant during busy network traffic such as file copies the entire network was busied out and programs appeared to run slowly.
In more recent times the network switch has replaced the hub and as its name implies it connects the communicating ports directly together and leaves the other ports free to make their own connections.
Speed
Most modern networks run at 100MGs or 1GB, however there are still some legacy equipment that operates at only 10MGs (internet routers etc.). The network switch should be able to switch automatically between the speeds and facilitate connectivity between the individual network components.
Router
The router is the device that connects to the internet and allows any computer on your network to have access to the internet. Most routers have some firewall capabilities and will automatically block some hacking attempts.Firewall
If any attempt is made to connect to your network from the outside world the firewall should negotiate with this attempted connection and decide if it is to be authorized. This can be done on many levels such as only permitted IP addresses may be allowed to connect or secrets such as usernames and passwords need to be negotiated.
Hardware Firewall
A hardware firewall is a dedicated piece of electronics that is usually much more reliable than a PC and consumes much less power. It is practically impossible to hack or bypass and is the best option where security is an issue.
VPN
A VPN is a private virtual network. What this means is that from anywhere in the world you can use any PC to tap into your network and work as if you were on the premesis. A VPN is heavily encrypted and prevents hackers from obtaining your passwords and hacking into your network. Most good routers will automatically have a VPN feature.
Restricted internet access
It is always necessary on unsupervised computer systems to restrict access to the internet. The Diplomat configured router enables you to manage which internet sites can be viewed from the office computers. Management computers can be given full access whilst telephonists and dispatchers will only be given access to diplomat support sites, BAA, local airports and any other sites you deem fit to assist in the operation of your business.
Wireless or WiFi
This is a feature that comes with most popular routers. It is a short range wireless broadcast that lets everyone within 200 Meters of your router gain access to the internet using coventional 802.11 wireless products. This means any of your customers or staff who have Laptops, palmtops, PDAs etc with a wireless card can get high speed access to the internet from your router. While they are waiting for a taxi etc..
Important Note: Wireless connection may compromises your network security as this wireless broadcast will not allow anyone to attempt to hack into your network. If in doubt use a wireless router only in the DMZ and then have a hardware firewall before your local area network.
Diplomat recommends the Vigor or Zyxel routers the VPN to allow remote access and monitoring and it will allow you to control restrict and manage your internet access. Above all it protects your network and provides high speed support to all your PCs. Both the Vigor and Zyxel support Netwaork address translation and Port address translation which is essential if you intend to use the internet for GPRS data or Data transmission to and from your vehicles.