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Networking

Overview

Connecting PCs (as well as Macs and other devices) on a local network has become much simpler with the functionality built into modern operating systems.

It's worth understanding the basic principles involved in a local network. Nearly all networks use IP (internet protocol) addresses to identify individual computers and route traffic between them. In most small networks (home or small office) there will be one device, probably a server or router, that dynamically allocates IP addresses to the other computers and devices on the network.

Often, the server or router will also be the gateway that connects the internal network to the internet. The server or router will need a firewall to protect the internal network from intrusion while providing connectivity to the internet.

The network can be wired (usually with Cat-6 or earlier ethernet cabling) or wireless (see the Wireless Howto). If it's wired, the cables from each of the computers will be interconnected through a hub, which can be a discrete unit or integrated as part of a router or gateway device. A standalone hub can only connect computers on the same network to each other - it doesn't provide access to the internet.

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