VLAN Switches

Network VLAN switches are very popular and widely implemented in larger businesses and corporations.  VLANs have the ability to group computers and network devices into their own common workgroup.  These provide network user security and separate network functions common to the group.  This also allows for separating network traffic for better bandwidth utilization.  Also provides for priority traffic handling and isolating traffic that it using legacy or incompatible protocols.

VLANs can also duplicate company work groups over large or distant geographical areas.  So workers in California and workers in New York would see the same network devices available to each group no matter where the worker is located.  This provides easy transitions for workers or travelers between locations.

Data trunking for all work groups allows the transmission of trunked data over leased lines between geographic areas.  (Trunked lines are lines that contain all the VLAN traffic.)  The VLAN devices are then able to separate the trunked data back into separate company work groups.  A problem using VLANs results when different workgroups need to communicate or receive data or mail from a common server.  A router is needed to connect workgroups together or to connect workgroups to a common network device or common server.

VLANS or VLAN switches could also be used to provide Internet access for visitors with minimal network access.  This provides needed Internet access for visitors and safety and security of company data and network drives.  Also VoIP phone data can be prioritized and kept on its own VLAN to help provide better bandwidth for voice communication and prevent congestion of normal company data traffic.

The Computer Network Training website has additional information that you might find useful.

June 13th, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , | Category: VLAN Switches | Leave a comment

Network Routers

Computer network routers have certainly changed over the last few years, as technology has been forging ahead and making large headway.   If you are looking into purchasing a new router, there are a few things to consider before doing so. The first thing to think about is the type of speed you need in a router.  Too many people don’t realize that a router can usually handle blazing fast speeds, but the speed is completely limited on the type of network device on your computer.  What we mean by this is that if you have a wireless 54mbit card on your computer, you will only be able to transfer at 54 Mbits /second even if the router can do a gigabyte a second.  Just buying a faster router will not speed up your network unless you also upgrade the associated hardware on your devices that communicate with the router.

Network routers basically take the Internet signal that you have coming in and spreads it to devices within a business or within a home.  The network router is essentially the brain that keeps track of which devices need information and spreads the Internet to all the devices when it needs it.  A network router is actually amazing device, but they do require some initial setup.  Most routers can be setup by accessing them through your web browser.  Most network routers have a static IP that you can type into your browser to be able to change the settings.  Network router settings give you the ability to change security codes and change the wireless security if your network router supports wireless communication.

Today, most routers support wireless capability.  This is great because you can access the Internet or network files without the use of wires.  Because most Internet signals are broadcast in a wireless format, it is important to make sure you set the security settings on the router.  If you don’t password protect your router, anyone will be able to connect to your router and use your Internet.  This will slow down your Internet speed as the Internet is being shared across more devices.  To make sure you have optimum speed and better security with your network files, always password protect your network router if you are running it in a wireless type mode.

As you can see, network routers are amazing devices, but how well they work depends on you and your equipment.  By changing the network router settings to make sure security is enforced, you will have a much greater experience using a router.

The Computer Network Training website has additional information you might find useful.

May 29th, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , | Category: Network Routers | Leave a comment

Computer Network Training

IT (Internet technology) jobs require computer network training and certification.

CompTIA Network+

Computer Network Certification

To begin you should obtain the CompTIA A+ certification.  Most employers are very familiar with the A+ cert and require all new employees to have it.  A+ cert is even more highly regarded for entry level computer tech work than college degrees.  Employers know that individuals with A+ certification can work on and fix computers.  The next certification you should consider is the CompTIA Network+ which is also highly regarded in the IT field.  After obtaining those two certs you should consider either the Microsoft MSCE track or the Cisco CCNA track.  Either of these two highly prized certs can move you along quickly to the higher paying positions.

Computer Network Security

Network security has become a major concern, especially with wireless networks.  Wireless needs extra security controls to assure good security, such as, MAC filtering and good encryption.

Computer Network Support

Good support is essential for monitoring, maintenance, and management.  Network techs,  analysts, and administrators are need to assure proper performance.

Computer Network Services

There are many network services that should be provided, such as, email, file, data, and application sharing, print sharing, and Internet access are the basics.

Computer Network Management

A good administrator can manage the network to assure only authorized individuals and services are available to appropriate individuals.  Access should be limited and authorized only with proper credentials.

Computer Network Repair

Network repair is an ongoing concern.  Cabling, hardware, and software may need periodic updates and replacing.  Scheduling repairs to minimize work interruptions is an important concern.

Computer Network Maintenance

Network maintenance needs to be scheduled and performed.  This will help to optimize hardware life and performance.  Cleaning helps to reduce heat buildup that can shorten component life.


January 1st, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , | Category: Computer Network Training | Leave a comment
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