Networking All-in-One For Dummies

From Networking All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, 3rd Edition by Doug Lowe

To network computers, servers, Web sites, and what-have-you, you need technical skill, manual dexterity, and a little help in keeping the rules straight about coax and twisted-pair cables. Knowing IP address ranges and understanding the important of recording network-related details also can put you on the path to happy networking.

How to Make a Computer Networking Fact Sheet

No matter how good your memory, you need to write down important stuff about your network — for your own information and so that others have access as well. The information to record includes the following:

Network servers: Include the Hostname, IP address, and a description.
Account information: Record your user ID, your password (in a secure place apart from the other information in this list), and the domain name.
Internet connection information: Write down your router’s IP address (WAN), your IP range, the subnet mask, default gateway, and the names of all your servers.
LAN subnet: Jot down the subnet IP address and the subnet mask.

Private IP Address Ranges for Networking

If you want to network effectively, you need to input the right IP address ranges. Fortunately for you, they’re right here for your handy reference:

10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255

172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255

192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Rules for Using Twisted-Pair Cabling to Network Computers

When you’re networking computers, running cable is not something you want to do more than you have to, so it pays to know the rules. These specifications are for networking with twisted-pair cabling:

Maximum cable length: 100 meters (330 feet).
All computers cabled to central wiring hub.
Terminators not required.
RJ-45 connector wired as follows:
- Pin 1: Orange
- Pin 2: Orange/white
- Pin 3: Green
- Pin 6: Green/white
Up to three hubs may be daisy-chained together.
Some hubs may also be linked using thin or thick coax.
To create a crossover cable, reverse the connections on one end of the cable so that pin 1 is green, pin 2 is green/white, pin 3 is orange, and pin 6 is orange/white.

Rules for Networking Using Coax Cable

Running coax cable when you’re networking computers is something you want to do just once. Use these rules to help make your cabling manageable:

Segment limited to 185 meters (600 feet)
Use BNC connectors
T-connectors used to connect cable to computers
Terminators required at both ends of segment

Secrets to Computer Networking Happiness

The ways to run a happy computer network may not be a secret anymore — you’re reading them, aren’t you? Use these keys to network success wisely and well.

Back up religiously.
Document your network layout and keep your documentation up to date.
Keep an adequate supply of spare parts and tools on hand.
Never turn off or restart the server while users are logged in.
Don’t be afraid; just believe.

Best Internet Sites for Info about Networking Computers

If you’re networking, you’re connecting all sorts of devices to all kinds of places. The links here point you to Web sites that help you stay connected with networking news and info.