Why? Let us consider a growing business with an increasing number of computers, or one that needs several computers from the start: a laptop or desktop, an assistant’s PC and a point-of-sale PC. Sharing information and resources becomes necessary to streamline operations. To address this need, we can install a wired or wireless LAN suited to our current needs and, where possible, future needs.

A LAN (local area network) is simply a group of computers connected by cables or Wi-Fi that, with suitable software, lets users share information and resources. Connecting two or more computers to share databases, printers or internet access creates a LAN.

But… What Are the Main Components of a Small LAN?

Cabling.

Cabling provides the main connection between the patch panel and workstation outlet, connects a hub or switch to PCs, and connects devices to each other. Category 5 is one of the UTP cabling grades described in the EIA/TIA 568B standard, used for CDDI and data transmission up to 100 Mbps at frequencies up to 100 MHz. Designed for high-integrity signals, these cables may be shielded or unshielded. They are often used in computer networks such as Ethernet, and also carry other signals, such as basic telephone services, token ring, and ATM.

Network Interface Card.

A network card or adapter enables communication between connected devices and resource sharing among computers, including hard drives, CD-ROM drives and printers. It is also called a NIC, or network interface card. Adapter types depend on the cabling or network architecture, such as thin or thick coaxial cable and Token Ring. The article describes Ethernet with an RJ-45 connector as the most common type.

Router.

A router —an English loanword, with Spanish equivalents including encaminador, enrutador, direccionador or ruteador— is a hardware device used for interconnecting de computer networks and directing data packets between them or determining the best route they should take.

Business Router. Businesses use routers of all sizes. The most powerful are generally found in internet service providers, academic and research facilities, and large companies.

Software…

Most computers described in this article already include software for connecting to other computers; Windows XP, Vista and 7 provide this capability. Networks without a dedicated server are known as peer-to-peer networks.

Server—Optional.

In computing, a server is a computer that is part of a network and provides services to other computers called clients.

The word “server” can also refer to:

• A computer application or program that performs tasks for other applications called clients. Common services include file services, which let users store and access files on a computer, and application services, which perform tasks directly for end users. This is the original meaning of the term. A computer can act as both client and server at the same time.

• A computer running a program that performs tasks for other applications called clients, whether it is a mainframe computer (mainframe), a minicomputer, a personal computer, a PDA or an embedded system; however, some computers are dedicated solely to providing these services: these are servers in the usual sense.

• A server need not be a large, state-of-the-art machine or a supercomputer; it can range from an old computer to a powerful machine for web services or large databases, with specialized processors and terabytes of memory. The requirements depend on its use. You can turn a computer into a server by installing a network service that users access through web server software such as Apache.

A server can therefore also be a process that delivers information to or serves another process. The Client-Server model does not necessarily require two computers: a client process can request a service, such as printing, from a server process on the same computer.

And… What Are the Benefits for My Business?

One of the most useful steps a small organization can take to improve its connected operations is to create a LAN linking PCs and peripherals such as printers, scanners and fax machines, instead of sharing files through USB drives or CDs.

Connecting computers, printers and other peripherals lets the organization share expensive hardware and applications and exchange files quickly and reliably. LANs enable email, centralized backups and internet access. Networking can save considerable time and money while providing immediate access to critical information for better management and decisions.

Installing cabling or a wireless network and configuring the necessary software can be easier than expected and within reach of many organizations.

I Have Decided—Now What? How Do I Implement It?

The basic process for implementing a LAN in a small or medium-sized business is:

• Define how many connections are needed and who will have access.
• Appoint a qualified LAN administrator responsible for development, maintenance, controls and usage policies.
• Install the required cabling.
• Configure the network.

Where Are the Savings?

Simply put, a LAN lets us share resources, saving time and money.

Instead of one printer per PC, a LAN can share a single printer. Files that everyone needs to consult or update can be stored on a central PC, network drive or server, with a backup strategy to protect them.

With the proper configuration, all computers on a wired or wireless LAN can share one internet connection for email and web access.

LANs can reduce spending on extra equipment and associated costs while improving how people use and share information.