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An introduction to computer networking and
network services for business
Computer network infrastructure is key to the operation of any organisation. It’s easy to be unclear on
what that is, how it works and why it’s important.
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What Are Computer Networks & How Do They Work for Business?
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A computer network is fundamental to the successful daily operation of
businesses and organisations of all sizes, across all industries — but it’s
easy to be confused by what your ‘network’ actually is, what it does and
how it does it.
With over 20 years of experience in providing network solutions for home
and business, we thought we would explain in simple terms what a
computer network is and why it is important to your business.
What is a computer network?
A computer network refers to interconnected devices (such as a
computer, printer, scanner, file storage, etc) that exchange
communications and resources with each other. To communicate,
these devices transmit information between each other using
communications protocols — a system of rules.
From the user’s perspective, computer networks enable the sharing of
resources and communications. For businesses, your computer network
is the spine of your IT infrastructure through which everything else
communicates.
How does a computer network work?
There are two key building blocks in the function of a computer network
— nodes and links.
Nodes include physical pieces like modems, personal computers
and file servers. They are connection points, able to send, receive or
forward information.
Links are what connect the nodes and allow them to transmit to
each other. These can be either wired, optical or wireless.
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caring for your laptop PC Within a network, these interconnected nodes are identified by a
battery life network address and often have hostnames that are more human
friendly to identify. The nodes follow a set of rules — called
Free top tips for
communication protocols — that define how they receive and send
speeding up a slow
data, dictated and specified by the design of the network infrastructure.
Windows laptop or
desktop computer in There are many types of communication protocols. One common
2022 example in modern computer networks is packet-mode transmission —
a network packet is a unit of data.
IT infrastructure &
As mentioned, the links that transmit information between nodes can be
computer networks for
wired, optical or wireless radio frequency. These interconnections can be
start up, micro & small
configured and arranged in many different ways, logically and
businesses: getting
physically. This is called network topology — referring to how the links
started
and nodes relate to each other.
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What does a computer network do?
Why are they so important for
business?
A computer network enables endpoint users to communicate (whether
that’s over phone, email, instant messaging or video call), share
resources (like printers, storage devices and software), share files as
well as access increased storage capacity.
When designed, implemented and maintained well, the use of these
internal networks clearly has the potential to drive big efficiencies in any
organisation! Shared access makes work faster and more consistent,
since there’s only a single source (which also simplifies backup
procedures). Centralised administration can make IT support more
streamlined, too.
With the advent of faster internet speeds, a business’ computer network
can be spread over a wide geographical location (known as a WAN, or
wide area network). The links, in this instance, are the internet
connection, your home or business modem and then any internal
devices such as your WiFi access point or hard cabled data points.

In summary, your computer network can now be cloud based, utilising

platforms such as Microsoft SharePoint or Google Workspace.

Important things in a modern network

The earliest types of networks arrived in the 1950s, transmitting
information over telephone lines, mainly for use in defence and the
military.

The first commercial modem for computers was released in 1958 by

American telecommunications company AT&T, allowing data to be
transmitted at a breakneck speed of only 110 bits per second! Bear in

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mind an average internet connection is now 50 megabits per second

(52,428,800 bits per second, to be precise!).

Since then, and the advent of the internet, computer networks have
become incredibly more widespread, powerful, functional and
necessary. They’re critical to modern-day business operations and have
become more secure, programmable and automated. 

A modern day network service should be…  

Data secure — modern networking solutions often have built-in

security features and can be integrated with third-party anti-
malware solutions.
Adaptable — modern computer networks are usually software-
defined, meaning they can be controlled centrally quickly.
Scalable — networking services can be optimised, scaled up or
down based on need. They can be integrated on a large scale.
Virtual — a physical network infrastructure can be partitioned,
creating ‘overlay’ networks in which your nodes are virtually linked
and data can be communicated. Many large-scale networks are
overlaid on the internet.

What are the different types of business

computer networks?
Business computer networks can be classified in many ways, most
commonly by geographical extent.

Smaller businesses will usually function with local area networks (LAN).
This is a collection of devices in one physical location, like an office,
warehouse or shop. Traditionally, the premises would be cabled. More
recently, the advancement of WiFi and portable technology has meant
that wireless connectivity is preferred.

There are two types of LAN: peer-to-peer and client-server. The

technology of these networks can be wired or wireless.

Peer-to-peer networks
These involve two or more computers pooling together, with shared
resources available to everyone on the network. Computers are equally
privileged and act as both the client and the server, communicating
directly with each other. A printer on one computer could be used by
anyone else in the network, for example.

Pros — Very simple and easy to set up.

Cons — Devices shared by a computer are reliant on that computer
being operational — remove the computer and you remove access
to any connected devices, files or folders. Poor security and
scalability.

Client-server networks
These involve multiple workstations connecting to one or more servers,
where the shared files and resources are kept. Clients — also known as
service requesters — access these from the server.

The server does the work of ‘serving’ the clients with information they
need to function.  This could be security, user permissions, file access,
printer resources, email, software updates and so on.

Pros — A robust system that is scalable and efficient.‍

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Cons — Initial costs can be expensive. Requires more expertise to

set up, manage and maintain. They can be quite insular to the
business.

A client-server network is by far the best choice for your business, but
before you consider this type of network, read on. The internet and
connectivity has changed this landscape providing an alternative
option for your business.

Cloud-based computer networks

The traditional client-server network has become prohibitive and out-
dated. Remote and ‘hybrid’ working behaviours have grown drastically
in popularity, as has the tendency for businesses to operate nationally
or internationally.

For those businesses embracing this ‘new normal’, there is now a third
type of network choice available to you.

This type of network can be seen as a mixture of LAN and WAN (wide
area network) systems.  You will possibly know this type of arrangement
through products such as Microsoft SharePoint and Google Workspace.

These types of cloud-based services provide businesses with the

functionality of a LAN without being tied to a single location; we’ve
explored them in another Learning Hub post about cloud services for
business.

What sort of computer network solution

does my business need?
Cloud-based systems have transformed the way we can work. For any
business starting out or looking to improve their IT, we would say that
this type of network is where you should be focusing your investment.

They can provide businesses with a scalable, secure network that will
allow your users to collaborate, share information and work from almost
anywhere in the world — just as if they were in the office.

Like the traditional LAN, these types of networks need to be set up,
managed and maintained correctly and shouldn’t be attempted if
you’re not familiar with them. They may sound relatively simple, but if set
up wrong, they can hinder your business.

We recommend that partnering with a professional IT specialist is by far

your best way to get the most from a network like this. Once you and

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your team are enjoying the benefits of a cloud-based business network,

you’ll never go back.

Sign me up — sounds great. Almost too great. What’s the catch? 

The Achilles’ heel of this type of network is the internet connection.

Simply put, no internet, no access to your network. Investment in a high-
quality internet connection is paramount. In the ‘new normal’ of hybrid
working behaviour, this applies equally to the home user as well as the
business premises.

Looking to level up your IT

infrastructure?
No two businesses are the same. A carefully-
considered network solution will allow for maximum
performance, security, efficiency and scalability.

For over 20 years, we’ve been delivering integrated,

innovative and future-proofed network solutions for
organisations of all sizes and sectors. From
consultation to design, delivery and fully-managed
ongoing support, we’re here to help.

For a flavour of what our team of tech experts could

do for your business, feel free to take a look at our
case studies for Abingdon Health plc and The
Environment Bank.

Get in touch by clicking the button below, by phoning

03303 800 100 or by emailing
contactus@weareyourit.co.uk.

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