RTS EKP-632 User Manual page 97

Appendix A
Basic Network Configuration
This section covers basic network configuration set up and testing. Also covered are basic concepts and
operations, including the difference between LAN and WAN networks and how IP Addressing is used.
In a networked environment, such as a company, typically there are many computers connected together
using a router or a switch (for more information router or switch in the definitions section). In larger companies,
there may be several different routers distributed in buildings and plant locations. A router allows any LAN-
side computer to communicate with computers and devices outside the LAN (local area network). Routers
send data packets from one place to another place on a network. Routers use network addresses to route
packets to the correct destination. For example, in a TCP/IP network, the IP (internet protocol) address of the
network interface is used to direct router destinations.
Because routers help computers inside the LAN "talk" with computers outside the LAN, the security of a
company's LAN may be compromised by gaps of open ports in the router. Security measures may have been
instituted to compensate for these vulnerabilities. Consult your network administrator to learn more about the
security measures taken to protect your network. VPN, or virtual private network, is one such security
measure to protect the intelligence of the LAN. A computer outside the LAN must have an address of key
known by the VPN to allow access to the LAN. Many companies use a VPN to connect two different LANs,
thus allowing the transfer of data between the two networks.
LAN (local area network) vs. WAN (wide area network)
Local Area Network
Simply put, a LAN is a computer network that connects a relatively small area ( a single building or group of
buildings). Most LANs connect workstations and computers to each other. Each computer (also known as a
"node"), has its own processing unit and executes its own programs; however, it can also access data and
devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that many users can access and share the same information and
devices. A good example of a LAN device is a network printer. Most companies cannot afford the budgetary
or hardware expense of providing printers for each of its users. Therefore, one printer (i.e., device) is placed
on the LAN where every user can access the same printer.
The LAN users IP addresses to route data to different destinations on the network. An IP Address is a 32-bit
numerical address written as four numbers separated by periods (for example, 1.160.10.240).
NOTE: For more information on IP Addresses, consult your local network administrator.
Figure 1. Local Area Network Diagram
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