EthernetingComputer networks form a vital component of not only contemporary enterprises, but of 21st-century homes, as well. Networks allow one's personal computer (PC) to get connected to the Internet, enabling one to check one's e-mails, engage in teleconferencing, or update one's webpage/website. Additionally, a user is able to locally communicate with the rest of the devices on that local network. It is easy to create a network -- all one has to do is connect a router to one's device using Ethernet cables. This, though, is the most basic part of network setup. There are other components necessary for performing the functions of printer-sharing, file-sharing, media streaming, adding various devices to the network, and controlling the computers that have data access on a particular network. The task gets more complex if one wishes for a few wireless links in the network. This paper will detail the components required for establishing an office or home network.

Client-Server Architecture

Client-server arrangements involve the connection of a number of computers to one main server. Public applications and information will only be installed onto that server, with client resource access possible through connection to the main server. Such an installation is commonly observed among larger enterprises and office blocks. For setting up such an arrangement, any server-friendly OS (such as Linux or Microsoft Windows Server Edition) or a server is required.

Hardware

Router

It is not possible to set up an office or home network without a router. Furthermore, for nearly all networks that can potentially be constructed nowadays, wireless as well as wired connections are required. This need may conveniently be catered to by opting for wireless routers. Such a router will function as the link between the Web (WAN or wide area network) and an office or home network (LAN (local area network)). It will enable network-sharing by every connected device as well. Moreover, the router will also generally function as the DHCP server of the network, allowing individual connected computers (and other devices) to enjoy private and individual IP addresses. This is pivotal if one requires communication between the different devices or computers on one's network. Lastly, wireless routers possess built-in firewalls that help safeguard the network against intrusion and threats.

It is common knowledge that setting up any router is a very complex matter. However, the Cisco Valet Plus and other such units are bundled with software geared at making network setup a very simple task. Cisco's product, priced at $149, has one limitation: it is only operational on frequency 2.4-GHz. Therefore, for any organization or individual that wishes to add any personal Web server, storage device, or multimedia server, a router is needed which supports the frequency band 5-GHz, together with a number of Gigabit Ethernet sockets for enjoying high-speed wired connectivity.

Dual-band (5- and 2.4- GHz) routers like the D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N. Dual Band Gigabit router, which is priced at 169 dollars allows for quicker throughput for file sharing, video streaming and other demanding functions. One must, however, bear in mind the fact that a 5 GHz frequency router does not make one's Internet connection quicker. Internet Service Providers and the cable/telecom infrastructure at the site where one wishes to set up a network are factors that control internet speeds (Lynn, 2010).

Switches

Ordinarily, a router possesses a total of four Ethernet sockets to wire computers, servers, storage drives and gaming consoles. If extra ports are needed for the company's network setup, the company may buy a switch which, if wired to the router, increases the number of ports at one's disposal. Thus, the individual or business will be able to add more clients and devices (collectively...

Internally, switches avert dastardly collisions by narrowing a packet broadcast to no other device or peripheral, but the computer that requires it. A majority of routers and web sharing devices that are made to operate using broadband connections possess in-built switches. One must remember the fact that all twisted pair networks require some kind of switch. A switch is rather economically priced; switch prices vary from roughly 50 dollars to 200 dollars based on the number of ports it offers (Chambers, 2016) and it has effectively and near-totally replaced the old Ethernet hubs. One of the quality low-priced options available in the market is the $129 Cisco SG100-16 16 port gigabyte switch. It provides affordable, strong network performance, giving the office a capacity and speed boost for supporting bandwidth-intensive tasks. Moreover, it is an environmentally friendly solution that comes with numerous power-saving options like Energy-Efficient Ethernet, which optimizes power utilization and decreases energy consumption whilst taking care not to cut back on performance. Cisco's Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty protects its product (i.e. switch), which may be utilized conveniently from the box without any software installation and configuration processes involved.
Clients

Network Interface Card

All devices that are to be connected on the network require their own network interface cards (NICs). If a laptop or desktop computer lacks an in-built NIC, the ideal option would be to go for internal adapter cards. However, one must remember that NIC installation doesn't necessitate opening the computer case in all instances. The enterprise may get PC Cards or PCMCIA (PC Memory Card International Association) NICs for laptop computers; meanwhile other adapters on the network may be connected using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. But desktop computers often don't require separate NICs as basically every PC now comes with an in-built network connector (To confirm, the company may check individual computers' manuals or seek a 'Network' or 'Ethernet 10/100' port at the PC's rear).

An NIC is rated based on the network speed. A majority of small office and home networks utilize 10/100 NICs (that is, the network will be able to operate at 100 or 10 Mbps), and this sets the company or individual back roughly 25-30 dollars. Gigabit Ethernet, the 3rd speed, is able to operate at an amazing 1000 Mbps; however, such a large throughput is probably only required by individuals or firms that transfer big files of several Gigabytes between devices on a regular basis.

Desktop vs. Laptops

In the process of selecting personal computers for new offices, the foremost decision to make revolves around whether each employee is to be presented with a laptop or a desktop computer. In case of employees who are required to personally call on individual clients, conduct online demos of products etc., the organization clearly needs to provide laptops.

Likewise, if the enterprise expects its personnel to work outside of company premises, the ideal option to choose is portable laptop computers. Some companies even give their employees desktop experiences at the workplace through what are known as 'Docking Stations' with their laptops. This enables the individual employee to conveniently utilize desktop monitors, mouse, keyboard, speakers and other devices with their laptop computers when they are at work. However, opting for laptops has a few cons: laptop computers are costlier, associated with higher maintenance and problem fixing costs, and nearly impossible or, at least, quite difficult…