Networking

Networking is enabling communication between entities. Computer networking involves communication between computers, which are separated by a few meters (networked via Bluetooth), or by thousands of kilometers (networked via Internet). Networking by scale may be Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN). Computers, laptops and desktop varieties, may be networked by different topologies like bus network, star network, ring network, mesh network, star-bus network, storage area networks, server farms network, process control networks, value-added network, SOHO network, wireless community network, and XML appliance network. The Internet is the ultimate network and is based upon the OSI Reference Model compliant protocols with unimaginable scaling. The sheer scale and utilization of many different technologies and concepts, makes the design of the Internet unique and simply put, it becomes a global network of networks. It is, without question, the largest switched/routed IP network in existence till date.

Usage tips for effective networking

Check all cables and connections for any loose breaks or joints.
Avoid all obstacles between the wireless components. Any object that comes in between obstructs the path and thereby reduces the efficiency. If you are in an elevator, wait till you come out of it. Going with your notebook computer from room to room however does not affect the performance.
For wireless Internet connections, try to change the location or the orientation of your laptop notebook. If you are on the move, you obviously cannot avoid obstacles such as vehicles, people, buildings, etc., on your way. Try to move your notebook at higher or lower elevations, try to rotate it and see where the connection is best received.
Update the software repeatedly. If you are using Windows 98/Me/2000/ or XP, visit microsoft.com and get your updates.
Get the latest antivirus software installed and update it regularly.
You may also get the latest spyware removing tools installed on your computer.
If you are using wireless LAN in your office, it is a good idea to update the software in your wireless router or access point. Manufacturers update their firmware and recommend users to use the updated software. You can visit the support area of the manufacturer's web site and locate the download area. Thereafter, you have to enter the specific model number of the router or the access point. Only the latest firmware should be installed. Follow the instructions provided along with the updated software on how to install it.
Wireless networking standards like 802.11g use individual channels enabling multiple wireless devices to use different bandwidths. In 802.11g, there are 11 channels from 1 to 11. Both the wireless devices may be using the same channel, causing it to slow down as many other users may also be using it. Therefore, changing the channel increases the performance. With respect to 802.11g, only 3 channels, namely 1, 6, and 11, do not overlap. You can change your channel to any of these channels to improve performance.
Sometimes changing the topology of the network improves performance. For example, if you have a phone jack in one of the rooms that is central to the place, then the DSL modem and the router can be placed there, so that the entire office PCs can connect wirelessly.
A fully wired 100 Mbps Ethernet network gives the best performance. However, wired and wireless connections may be combined with an Ethernet wireless adapter (bridge). USB wireless adapters sometimes slow down performance.
Try changing the antenna positions on the wireless components. Positioning the antenna vertically, or horizontally, or at 45-degree angles on all the wireless components usually has good results. Sometimes very small changes of antenna positions improve performance dramatically.
Wireless networks using 802.11g share airspace with many other devices and technologies that may affect their performance. Microwave ovens, 2.4 GHz wireless video senders, 2.4 GHz cordless phones, 2.4 GHz baby monitors, neighboring wireless networks can all cause interference and reduce wireless performance of your notebook.
If possible, buy a new laptop instead of an used notebook or a refurbished notebook. A new laptop always increases performance.