Connecting The Nodes

       This section will involve cables crimping. So, you might need some advise on it. Crimping cables is not that easy but when you already know what you are doing, it is easier than you have ever imagine. Lets get started then.

      The connector of the cables that we are using is the RJ-45 jack. It has a noticeably a variety of colour modules. The colourful wires are to be connected correctly according to their respective sections on the RJ-45 jack.

The RJ-45 jack

     So, here comes the cable crimping. In order to do such a thing, you might be needing one of these:

      Its a cable crimp. It crimps the cables neatly to be fitted into the jack. Note that you might need someone who can really do it because it can cause a little injury. So, be careful in whatever you are doing.

     Now. Notice that there a several colour codes in the ethernet cables. There are all 8 colour codes that you should consider. Maybe you don't get the idea but the photo below is how it pretty looks like. The only way to show is to cut one end and see for yourself.

    Now. The idea was to crimp the cables into the RJ-45. That will involve some work. But before that, the cables will need to be twisted around with each pair has two wires. Don't worry. About the colour codes, you just need to follow the below diagram. Make sure you are doing it right. Otherwise, it won't work.  Note that the twisting of the cables is so important. It makes sure that the cable can counteract noise and any other interferences.

   For your information, there are two types of ethernet cables. One is shielded twisted pair and the other is unshielded twisted pair cable. It is called twisted as two wires are twisted around each other. Now. The first one is shielded twisted pair. Basically, the cable has extra resistance. It protects against external interference. But note that it don't cover internal connectors.

    Basically, ethernet cables are divided into two groups. First is solid and the second is braided. Solid are used for longer operations in a fixed position. The plenum ethernet cable are to be used whenever it travels through an air circulation space. Yeah. It works like that. To make it clearer, take this for instance. An ethernet cable placed above the ceiling or below the ground. On the other hand, the braided ethernet cables are to be used in shorter lengths. For example, patching two computers to enable a P2P(peer to peer) connection. Get it? In finding the correct cable, you might need to cut out an end and look into the connectors inside despite the colour scheme. Always remember that.

     Next in list is the pin and jack that the cables are going to get into. Imagine the large phone cable in your house. That's how exactly the jack look. Here's how they look.

      To date, there are two basic ethernet cable pin outs. One is straight through and the other is crossover ethernet cable. Each is distinctive. The straight through cable is for connecting to the hubs or switch while the crossover cable is for setting up a peer to peer network.

Colour schemes:

     The scheme above is for the straight through ethernet cabling which is the T568A and T568B. Take a closer look and you will see that the first 3 ports and 6th ports are different.

   The above diagram shows the crossover ethernet cable colour scheme ( T568B). All connectors are crossed in the first and second pin. Use this colour scheme ethernet cabling when you want to setup a peer to peer network.

 

Topologies: Explained

Ring Topology
This network looks like a ring. Basically, one node connects with 2 neighboring nodes. Get the image? It looks like this by the way...

Advantages:

• Easy setup
• Low cost
• Simple network architectural

Disadvantages:

• If one node fail, the entire network will fail too as a result
• Speed decreases when nodes increase

Topologies: Explained

Star Topology
A sort of topology that have a host( whether a hub/switch or server at its center). Kinda look like this:

Advantages:

• If one node fails, the entire network will be alright as long as the host is fully functioning.

Disadvantages:

• The entire network will need to shut down in order to add a new node
• Speed decreases when number of nodes increase

Topologies: Explained

Bus Topology
It have a centralized backbone between the nodes that connects them altogether with the hub/switch. Looks like this:

 
Advantages:

• If one node fails, the network will not be affected
• Easy implementation: Doesn't have to shut down the entire network to add a new computer
• Inexpensive
• Easy maintenance

Disadvantages:

• Speed will decrease if number of nodes increase

Richie Alert!

      There is always something for the rich to spend their money on. In this case, if you are over budget, you can always go for the server. Having a server means you are spending much. All network topology can include the server but it depends on the affordability of the user.

     Its always better when you spend much. Indeed, advantages are noticeably more than disadvantages. When you have a server, its easier to manage your network. This will lead to a better monitoring of the activities of the nodes. It tracks one node's connection, speed, security and even its stored files. From seeing what website is the node connecting to, to checking its dynamic connection between the other nodes and the internet, basically it does the most.

    Conclusion is, its always good to have a server. But, you can always go for hubs and switches when you are not in the budget. Good luck though!

As expensive as it looks

Knowing Your Needs

          Lets just get to the bottom of this. This part will make you even clear with the topologies you should set up.

        Okay, lets say you have five different computers in your home. And you need to get them connected to the internet all at once. Hm. We haven't get to the hardest part yet. It comes when you have problems with your budget. Take this for instance. You have a small budget. Maybe around 35$. To me, the most wallet-friendly topology is the Bus Topology.

      Now. Early information as it is, the topology consists of the hub, cables(commonly we use RJ-45) and of course, the computers(nodes).

     Note that it only have those peripherals and no other. Why am I saying this? You are probably asking yourself. This is basically on the cheap and affordable hub. Now in the market, you can most probably get yourself one for just 14$ to 20$ in one pay. But this is for 5-ports only. For additional ports, it may cost a few dollars more. Dont worry. We are only setting up a small network right? So lets just stick to the 5-ports hub. As an alternative, you can also replace them with a switch which functions about the same at the same price. Whatever brand it is, it is all the same but keep in mind that the quality will vary so choose the best as you can to get your network up and running. Done with the hub/switch, now lets move on.

      Considering the fact that we now have a hub/switch and the computers, we still have something missing. The computers aren't going to be connected to the internet without the cables right? So lets now move on to the cables. The most often used cable in LAN networks is RJ-45. There are others but considering that it offers the most speed, affordability, efficiency not to mention its easy implementation and maintenance, its best to pick the RJ-45. The cables might only cost, the most, is 3$. So, 3$ x 5 = 15$ for five computers implementation. Cheap right? Hm..

       Summing it all up, it cost around 35$. Thats too cheap for setting up a network if you want to know. But, if you know what you are doing and know where to search for these, it can indeed cut the price lower. So, if you are expecting lower prices, better search for the best price on the market but dont forget to consider the quality though!

   

     

 

Getting To Know The Topologies...

         Okay. So, to date, there are 3 main network topology that you should know. Well, actually there are more but in our case, those doesn't involve. Getting to the point, there are 3, namely, Bus Topology, Star Topology and the last in the list is Ring Topology. These 3 have their own pros and cons that you should really consider. Upon setting up your network, these aspects should be taken aware of:

• Cost;
• Host;
• Ease of adding nodes (computers);
• Network failure;
• And most importantly your time