Network Accessories

[VelMurugan]

Network Accessories

Printers

If you attach a printer to one computer and share it, when that computer is off, nobody can print. An alternative is to purchase a network printer. That is, a printer that will directly connect to the network and people can print to it any time. There are two types of printers in this case:

    * Some printers come equipped with a network card. In this case, as we will learn in Lesson 5, you can use an RJ-45 cable to connect it to a router or a hub

    * Some printers are equipped for a parallel port. To connect them to a network, you can purchase what is referred to as a print server (or a Jet-Direct card). The manufacturer of the printer can sell it to you

If you are using a wireless network, you can purchase a wireless print server. This allows you to connect almost any type of printer, with or without a network card, to the network. You can purchase a wireless print server from a computer store or from a web store. It is usually easy to install as it comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that serves as the intermediary between your network (or you) and the Internet. If you plan to give access to the Internet to the members of your network, you may need this type of company. You can start by checking with your local telephone company or your local TV cable company.

Firewall

Firewall is a security measure that consists of protecting your network from intruders. This is primarily important if you plan to connect your network to the Internet. There are two types of firewalls: hardware and software.

For a small network, when buying a router, you can inquire as to whether it has a built-in firewall. Many of them do. Alternatively, you can use or configure one of the computers of your network as a firewall.

Source : functionx