How to build a network:An overview

Robb Kimmer is an experienced networks engineer and runs the MilMates Training Company, based at Tidworth Training College; he is a regular contributor to several magazines

People are interested in building computer networks to:
run a small office home office (SOHO)
play network games and run applications for family and friends
prepare for MCSE and other courses.
It is odd that there is nowhere that provides basic information on this subject. Internet information tends to be too 'geeky' or the spelling and grammar is so bad that it is hard to understand; sometimes gaps in the detail make it impossible to carry out the process successfully. The expectation is that people already understand the basics and just want help with fine-tuning and configuration. This is often not the case.

Here are some points to consider.
Only two computers are necessary for a network; if more are required, expense will rise.
The operating system depends on the course being undertaken, or the games and applications to be used. Most common are Windows or Linux.
Costs for two computers installed as a workgroup are minimal. They rise with each additional computer.
Specialist tools and equipment are required to do everything from scratch. Buying off the shelf increases costs but saves time and stress.
Future upgrades will be possible at further expense.
To connect computers in separate rooms may require holes to be drilled in walls.
Crimp and Krone tools will be required if cabling is home-made.

Hardware
Computers can be workstations or laptops, desktop or mini-tower, provided that they can be upgraded. Applications tend to run slowly and freeze on cheap computers and, if the motherboard/mainboard will not accept an upgrade or the Central Processing Unit (CPU) slot is not compatible with newer CPUs, new parts or even new computers may be necessary.

Windows is the most likely operating system on both computers; therefore they must meet the minimum hardware specification that Microsoft recommends for their operating systems. That information is on the Microsoft website under Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). Linux will run on almost any computer and does not have such an exacting hardware requirement as Windows. Check out the new Lindows system.

A general specification for a hardware platform using Windows 2000 Professional for SOHO use is:
Pentium 2 or higher CPU, or AMD equivalent; Cyrix tends to run hot
128MB RAM
power supply unit with a minimum 230W output; 300W is preferable
Intel chipsets on the motherboard are desirable
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
motherboard must have USB sockets if USB peripherals are to be used
network card that can operate at 100Mbps (from £10) - budding MCSEs must fit a card with a software driver on the RIS/RBFG list (from £35)
good-quality IDE hard disk; SCSI is more efficient but more expensive and complicated
floppy drive
back-up tape drive; cheapest (and lowest capacity) is a Travan system
at least a 17" monitor
for SOHO, a standard SVGA graphics card is adequate, but for games choose high-end 3D
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS); not essential but protects system.

Hubs switches, cables and connectors
Hubs are cheaper than switches and are good for SOHO and study use. Prices start around £30. A switch is an intelligent hub, sending data direct to the recipient rather than broadcasting it on the network. Each network card is connected to the hub with a cable, usually Cat5e cable called UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair, which can be bought already cut and fitted with RJ45 connectors. Cables must be straight-through wired not cross-over wired. Individuals can make up their own cables but, since most problems with networks are caused by faulty wiring, best advice is to buy them ready-made.

Software
The most popular operating system for intranets is Windows; for the Internet it is Linux. Any network operating system can run a SOHO network; to study for MCSE, Windows 2000 Pro and Server is compulsory.

A network for both SOHO and MCSE study could be achieved by installing Windows 2000 Pro on both machines, or Windows 2000 Pro on one and Windows 2000 Server on the other. The latter set-up allows the preparation 'labs' and tests between server and workstation - a 'client' of the server. Alternatively, Windows 2000 Pro could be installed on both machines as the default operating system, with Server also installed on one that is set up to dual boot. This would allow the choice at boot-up over what role that machine was to play. Partition hard drives carefully and always install MS-DOS first.

Once the network is built and running, shared Internet access, perhaps a router, a web server and many other technologies are available to enhance the system. Plan developments carefully and watch the costs.

Anyone interested in networks is welcome to e-mail Robb Kimmer at robb@milmates.com for a more detailed version of this article, or visit MilMates' website at www.milmates.com.

Internet information tends to be too 'geeky' or the spelling and grammar is so bad that it is hard to understandPartition hard drives carefully and always install MS-DOS firstPlan developments carefully and watch the costs