Office networks

For many businesses, the first computer network they need will be confined to a single building. This type of network is called a local area network (LAN). There are two common kinds of LAN - peer-to-peer and client/server.

Peer-to-peer networks connect two or more computers directly, allowing them to share files or programs. They are particularly suitable for collaborative work, fairly straightforward and relatively cheap to create.

However, peer-to-peer networks can be much slower than server-based networks and are unsuitable for very complex networks. Also, peer-to-peer systems connect users through other users' computers, so a failure at one point in the network will affect every computer connected to that network. 

Client/server networks use one computer as a server - where shared files and programs are kept - which other PCs connect to. This central machine can be a normal PC, although it is best to use a powerful computer or a purpose-built server computer.

Client/server networks have a number of advantages. As files are stored centrally, these systems are more efficient at backing up and handling data. For example, users cannot modify files simultaneously. You can also link to different types of computer, and support more users more reliably than you can with a peer-to-peer network.

Unlike peer-to-peer systems, a failure at a single point in a client/server network will not affect other computers on the network, as long as the server remains intact.

Wireless networking technology can replace all, or some, of the cabling requirements for a network.

Choosing cable or wireless

Local area networks (LANs) were traditionally implemented using cabling. However, wireless LANs have become easier and often cheaper to create and maintain and are now providing flexible networking options for many businesses. As with most technology solutions there are pros and cons for both approaches.

Wireless networking frees the user from being physically attached to a network. It also offers much greater flexibility and mobility - office-based wireless workers can be networked without sitting at dedicated computers, and can continue to work while off-site.

In most cases a wireless network costs less to install and maintain than a cabled network. It eliminates cabling, so you don't need to drill holes through walls and floors to lay cables, and you don't need to rewire the office if, for instance, a department moves.

Occasional difficulties with signal quality may be experienced with wireless networks - for example where neighbours in the same building use the same wireless channels, or where other sources of radio interference are present. In addition, it can be difficult to get consistent coverage in some buildings, leading to "black spots" where no signal is available.

Wireless networks are generally slower than cabled networks, and so in larger wireless networks the "backbone" network will usually be cabled.

Keeping wireless networks secure can be difficult. They are more vulnerable to attack than traditional cabled networks, as wireless transmissions can be intercepted.

Other types of computer network

As your business develops, you might wish to consider other networks such as wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), intranets and extranets. These networks each offer different business benefits, such as linking together systems in different offices, allowing remote workers to access your office systems securely, or providing up-to-date information for your staff and business partners.

WANs are used by companies with offices at different locations. The WAN connects different local area networks together, into a more complex network. You will need to use client/server networks, which are based around central server computers, so that you can connect the various servers over a telecommunications network. WANs use cables/lines that are leased from a telecoms company.

A VPN allows the user to connect across the Internet to the business' private network. It creates a secure link between the remote worker's computer and the central system. A VPN can be cheaper to use than leased lines or domestic-type broadband connections.

Many businesses now build internal networks more commonly known as an intranet. These intranets store information on a central system at a private intranet address. Employees can access business information by connecting to the Internet, making it particularly useful for employees who travel or work from home. You will need to invest in the design and management of the intranet. The information in it must be accurate and up-to-date so users will have confidence in it. One way of ensuring this is to use a content management system to update information on the intranet.

Businesses can also open up certain areas of their intranets to partners, such as suppliers and customers, typically with a password. This is an extranet. For example, a business can let clients track the progress of their orders, and the payment of suppliers online can be linked directly to the business accounts system.