LAN vs WLAN Internet speed depends greatly on the type of network the computer is connected to. There are two basic types of networks that allow Internet connection. A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that is established via an Ethernet cable and physically connects a computer to a router, modem, or access point. LANs provide much faster Internet speed, but limits the distance between a computer and the access point it is connected to. As a result, many switch to WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). A WLAN is Read More

What is a Wireless Router? A wireless router is a device that wirelessly connects multiple computers and devices to the Internet. Wireless routers’ design and capabilities vary and they drastically range in price, but are used for the same function. Wireless routers are usually very easy to setup and many provide the user with built-in security methods such as data encryption or a firewall. As a result, wireless routers allow users to easily setup a wireless network that all of the computers and devices in a home, office, or other Read More

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a system of digital phone connections that has been designed for sending voice, video, and data simultaneously over digital or ordinary phone lines, with a much faster speed and higher quality than an analog system can provide. ISDN is basically a set of protocol for making and breaking circuit switched connections as well as for advanced call features for the customers. ISDN is the international communication standard for data transmission along telephone lines and has transmission speeds up to 64 Kbps per channel. The Read More

Routing is the process of moving packets through an internetwork, such as the Internet. Routing actually consists of two separate, but related, tasks: Defining paths for the transmission of packets through an internetwork. Forwarding packets based upon the defined paths. Routing takes place in IP networks, based on IP routing tables and its entries. The information in the IP routing tables is used by IP hosts to transfer data over the internetwork. Routers are devices operating at the network layer of the OSI model that use the IP routing tables to forward Read More

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a specification for data transfer on TDMA and GSM networks. GPRS utilizes up to eight 9.05Kb or 13.4Kb TDMA timeslots, for a total bandwidth of 72.4Kb or 107.2Kb. GPRS supports both TCP/IP and X.25 communications. Fixed/Mobile Mobile Circuit/Packet Packet Max Bandwidth 107.2Kb Range Coverage area of host network Frequency Frequency of host network Host Network TDMA, GSM Definer ETSI The Future of GPRS EDGE (Enhanced Data-Rates for GSM Evolution) enabled GSM networks are able to implement EGPRS (Enhanced General Packet Radio Service), an enhanced Read More

This Ethernet cable can be used to connect a network interface card (NIC) to an Ethernet switch or hub. They transmit data using the Ethernet protocol. Ethernet cables have RJ-45 jacks on both ends, each with 8 pins (They look similar to telephone jacks, which use 4 pins or 6 pins). Equipment using an Ethernet cable is referred to as wired. The most popular Ethernet cable in current use, Category 5 or CAT5, supports both traditional and Fast Ethernet. The Category 5e (CAT5e) cable supports Gigabit Ethernet. This cable is Read More

VoIP (Voice over IP) includes communication protocols, technologies and techniques of transmission used for multimedia sessions and voice communication via IP networks. Other terms used synonymously with ‘Voice over IP’ include broadband phone, voice over broadband and Internet telephony.  How Does VoIP Work? VoIP calls require media channel setup, analog voice signal digitalization, encoding, packeting and transmission of IP packets via packet-switched network. On the receiving end, there will also be packet-decoding, conversion of analog signals to digital signals, and IP packets reception. VoIP uses audio codecs that encode speech Read More

As technology has advanced, devices have become more complex and integrated. Access points make a good example of such devices. These can be described as hardware that includes a modem, router, and other optional functions that are all compiled into one device. Access points are becoming more popular than modems or routers and they are common in medium and large businesses. This article will explain what an access point is, how to create or setup an access point, and describe some of the most popular access points available on the Read More

The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is designed to support file sharing, serial ports, printers, and other communications interfaces such as mail slots and named pipes established between two or more computers. The protocol can be used on top of the TCP/IP or other network protocols such as NetBEUI on the Internet. SMB primarily allows client programs or applications to read, write, create, and update files on a remote server. How does the SMB Protocol Work? SMB functions as a request-response or client-server protocol. The only time that the protocol Read More

FCAPS is an ITU standard model for enterprise management. The five FCAPS domains are: Fault Management Configuration Management Accounting Management Performance Management Security Management Fault Management Fault management is the domain where network problems are discovered and corrected. Steps are then taken to prevent them from occurring or recurring. By doing so, the network remains operational and downtime is minimized. Configuration Management Configuration management is where daily operations are monitored and controlled. All hardware and programming changes are coordinated. In addition, new programs, new equipment, modification of existing systems and Read More