Installation of a local network. Installation and maintenance of computer networks

In the office of any company, the park of which has more than two computers, all computer systems are united into a single network. This allows you to instantly share information, monitor the operation of any device or share the ability to output data to print. And the more computers, the sharper the need for such a connection. There is a huge number of large and small firms that perform the installation of computer networks. The cost of their services also varies. Note that subsequent maintenance of computer networks is usually performed by representatives of the same company that disconnected the Network. Sometimes this is a very useful "bonus".

To whom to entrust work

You can solve the problem of creating a local network in several ways. One we already mentioned is to invite an outside organization. At the same time, it does not matter whether it has a license for such work, or whether it is a semi-official private office. In any case, they will have to pay for their services. The advantages of this solution include the quality, explained by the specialization of performers and the speed of delivery of the object, since they usually work in groups. It is also possible to easily solve related tasks, for example, to create a much needed bridge "local network-Internet". People involved in editing usually know where the offices of the nearest providers are located and how best to organize an "exit" for them. With a large fleet of vehicles, it is more appropriate to employ employees of specialized companies capable of performing a local network installation: the prices for their services are constantly falling because of market competition. So, the installation of the corrugated tube for the cable will cost from 25 rubles. Per meter, but for a metal box will have to give no less than 150 rubles. The cable laying in the plastic channel costs 10 rubles, while the air route that follows the poles will require almost 45 rubles. Per meter. The use of a perforator for breakdown of an inter-floor slab by 5 cm will require more than 500 rubles. Again, the prices we quote are tentative, since there is a huge competition in the market.

The second way is more economical. It consists in commissioning the work of a regular system administrator (a specialist in maintenance of computing equipment). Still, for a person who has even basic skills in this area, installing a local network is not particularly difficult.

Analysis of existing conditions

The installation of a local network always begins with the study of existing communications, the possibility of laying the cable, potential places for installing intermediate devices and so on. Also take into account the location of workstations, their performance, operating systems and the need for further expansion of the network.

Requirements

The simplest local network between computers can be done by banal connection of Ethernet connectors with a twisted pair cable of the required length. However, this is possible only for simple networks with a small number of workstations. Therefore, a list of programs with which it is planned to work is compiled, and the necessary protocols and network services are determined on its basis. It is important for the staff to work with the chosen operating system.

The simplest solution

The more computers in the organization, the more difficult it is to install a local network. For a small office with fewer than five workstations, you can use a system with a switch. This device is also called a "switch", its housing has a light indication of operation, several Ethernet connectors and an external power supply unit. The model for 5 ports costs less than 700 rubles. The installation of a local network based on the switch is very simple. It is necessary to extend to each workstation a twisted-pair cable and make a connection. Beforehand, you need to determine the length of each branch and compress the cable at all ends, installing the connectors. It can be done in any computer store for a few rubles. The connector plugs and connects other office equipment that can work on Ethernet. It only remains to supply power to the equipment and perform software configuration in the operating system. It is worthwhile to caution against the acquisition of the so-called "hub". Outwardly, this device looks like a "switch", but the internal algorithm is simplified, which makes the network on its basis less flexible.

The cable can be fixed with brackets to the skirting board, laid in neat plastic boxes or go behind the wall panels. It is important that the length of each section does not exceed 100 m. In practice, a 100 Mbit network operates at large distances, but there is no sense in experimenting.

Advanced topology

However, other schemes that unite more workstations are much more often used. For example, if there are several rooms in the building, a solution can be used that involves the use of several switches. So, all computers that are in the same room are connected to their switch. From it stretches the line to the same device serving the other room. For computers, these intermediate routers are completely "transparent". By the way, their use allows you to overcome the restriction on the length of the line. By analogy with the cell towers, which amplify the signal and transmit it further along the chain.

Freedom from wires

The appearance of inexpensive Wi-Fi adapters and routers on the market made it possible to install computer networks without using cables. This is a great solution, giving a lot of new opportunities. For example, all interested persons can be granted access to a special page with advertising type information.

You can create a wireless network that includes more than a dozen workstations in several ways. In order to save money, it's enough to buy a router, set it up to broadcast some specific SSID and specify passwords for access. Each computer is equipped with a simple Wi-Fi adapter, using the operating system's tools to scan frequencies, find the right network and connect to it.

It is possible to do otherwise: merge closely located workstations with a switch and Ethernet technology, but connect a router to the communicator, expanding the possibilities for connecting new computer systems. In general, combining wired and Wi-Fi solutions allows you to build a truly "flexible" network. True, we must first carefully think through, develop a topology (how exactly will the work stations be combined). Maintenance of computer networks of such an implementation requires more qualified employees, which must be taken into account.

Access to Internet resources

The local network, which allows the computers of the organization to exchange information, is, of course, an excellent solution. However, without access to the Internet, it is impossible to imagine a modern office or even a home computing system. Now this issue can be solved quite simply. Usually, from any switch, the cable is routed to a dedicated router, and the provider's line is fed to it. It is very desirable, if this device will allow to make a correction in the algorithm of its work. For example, it is often necessary to block access to some sites, ICQ, Skype, and also keep track of the traffic consumed.

Nuances of wired network installation

A typical Ethernet cable that is sold in every computer store is not designed for laying outdoors and fails for 2-5 years, depending on the weather conditions. Therefore, if you need a street connection, you need to use corrugated tubes, plastic boxes. In the spans between buildings and pillars, the cable must be attached to a strung wire string, which will keep it from rushing due to bad weather. And the garter should allow its small displacement to compensate for the change in length in winter and summer.

Even if the network is running, then periodically it is necessary to perform maintenance of all its nodes. It is much easier to prevent a malfunction than to deal with its consequences later.