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 Network Cards & Adapters
Connect laptop’s, desktop PC's and file servers to a business
network using either wired or wireless adapters that slot into your
computer via USB, PCI or the PCMCIA slot on laptops. Virtually all
modern business PC’s and laptops are equipped with at least one
suitable network adaptor as standard and rarely need additional ones
fitted. File Servers can benefit from having additional adaptors
fitted to help with both security and speed issues.
 Switches
Enable multiple computers, printers and other network attached
devices to be connected together using cabling, to transfer
information, including emails, files and printer requests.
 Print Servers
No need to dedicate a PC to manage print requests and queues, use a
print server instead and allow any or all users of the
network to share printers.
Cabling
For wired networks, it is important to ensure you have (or choose)
the correct cabling to meet required data transfer speeds. UTP
(Unshielded Twisted-Pair) is the most commonly used cabling for
Ethernet networks; commonly used UTP is referred to as Cat-5, Cat-5e
or Cat-6. Fibre Optic cabling is used selectively for bandwidth
demanding connections.
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 Powerline Networking
Utilises the powerlines (the mains electrical wiring) to distribute
data and network signals instead of special Cat 5 & Cat 6 wiring, or
wireless networking. Powerline networking is becoming increasingly
popular due to its ease of installation and speed of set up. It is
highly recommended where traditional network installations would be
visually intrusive or practically impossible (listed buildings, for
example) and where wireless would not be suitable due to factors
such as the thickness of the walls and ceilings.
 VPN Firewall Routers
Connect your office network, securely, to other geographically
distant networks and the Internet via an ISDN or broadband
connection. Many also have switched ethernet ports and a print
server built in to provide a complete network solution for the
smaller office.
 Wireless Access Points
Used for extending Ethernet (wired) networks where cabling cannot
reach or to provide instant connectivity for mobile staff. Also used
to 'boost' a wireless signal across a building to ensure network
coverage for all employees. |
