A computer network is
composed of multiple connected computers that communicate over
a wired or wireless medium to share data and other resources.
A simple computer network may be constructed from two
computers by adding a network adapter (Network Interface
Controller (NIC)) to each computer and then connecting them
together with a special cable.
Practical networks
generally consist of more than two interconnected computers
and generally require special devices in addition to the
Network Interface Controller that each computer needs to be
equipped with. Examples of some of these special devices are
hubs, switches and routers.
A network covering a small
geographic area, like a home, office, or building is called a
Local Area Network (LAN). Current LANs are most likely to be
based on Ethernet technology.
Networks make it easy for
companies employees at more than one site to:
Share files with each other
Systematically back up data on a regular basis
Share peripherals such as printer, fax and modems
Communicate via email
Access the Internet
simultaneously
The basic
system configuration includes the following
components:
Server
Network Switch
Backup Unit
Workstation
Router
Cables
Software (Such as; Microsoft Windows® Small Business server 2003 R2)
One style of LAN's that is
used for small business networking applications is the
client/server networks in which a network switch acts as
the central communications device connecting
workstations to the server. The server in the network
enables users to access information and share
peripherals without being dependent upon any of their
systems. In addition, a backup can be installed into the
server, allowing to back up data on both the server and
all workstations. Client/server networks are typically
used when there is a constant need to access large files
and applications or when multiple users want to share
peripherals.
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Basic configuration of small business network |
Server Operating
Systems
Server operating systems (such as
Windows® Small Business server 2003) provides messaging
and collaboration, security-enhanced internet access,
protected data storage, reliable printing, faxing and
secure remote access. Remote Access Services lets
connecting the server at the central office to computers
running at any remote offices through cable modem via a
public Internet Service Provider (ISP).
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| Remote Access |
Remote access offers a wide range
of security features including:
·
Authentication and authorization ·
Secure user authentication ·
Extensible Authentication Protocol ·
Data encryption ·
Network Access Quarantine Control ·
Caller ID ·
Remote access account lockout ·
Remote access policy profile packet filtering ·
Packet filtering for VPN remote
access |
| Remote Access Connectivity
| Remote access provides two
different types of remote access connectivity:
Dial-up
remote access
With dial-up remote access, a remote
access client uses the telecommunications infrastructure
(typically an analogue phone line) to create a temporary
physical circuit or a virtual circuit to a port on a remote
access server. Once the physical or virtual circuit is
created, the rest of the connection parameters can be
negotiated.
Virtual private network (VPN) remote
access.
With virtual private network remote access, a
VPN client uses an IP network to create a virtual
point-to-point connection with a remote access server acting
as the VPN server. Once the virtual point-to-point connection
is created, the rest of the connection parameters can be
negotiated.
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