The Lowdown on Small Networks

At its most basic level, a network’s job is to allow two or more computers to communicate with each other, despite small or large differences among them. Special software known as network protocols allows that communication; protocols provide a mutual language that each PC can communicate through. Several different protocols are used, but TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the one you’re apt to hear most often. TCP/IP is used the most for the types of networks—including Internet connections—described in this section.

The type of network most home and small office users have is called peer-to-peer, which simply means “from user to user” because that is how it operates. Each PC in a network, referred to as a node, is of equal status, and each PC can be configured to share files and devices with one another while working and behaving independently. This differs from the client/server networks often used in corporate environments. In a client/server network, each computer is a client that is served by a central computer acting as an administrative server. The server has e-mail, files, applications, and other features that it offers to the clients.

Note 

Ever wonder about the term local area network (LAN)? It means what you’d expect: a network spread out over a small geographical area, as opposed to networks that exist over a huge geographical area or entire cities. Most home users and small offices use Ethernet LANs that use Ethernet adapters connected by Ethernet cable (either CAT-5 or coaxial cable). However, more and more lately you hear about home area networks (HANs), which are a subset of LANs.