Computer Network Basics - Technika IR-129 User Manual

COMPUTER NETWORK BASICS

WHAT IS A NETWORK?
A computer network is a means of connecting together
computers and other computing devices so that they may
exchange information.
Computer networks were originally found in offices where
there was a requirement for many computers to have access
to information that was held centrally. With devices such as
printers connected to the network, it was also possible for
the computers connected to the network to share common
printers etc. The network would often include a 'gateway'
which introduced internet access to the network and would
make it possible for connected computers to share a common
internet access for email, web-browsing and file transfer,
rather than individually dialling up for connection.
Nowadays, networks are also found in the home where often
a family will own more than one computer and can make use
of printers and a single gateway connection to the internet,
all shared on the network. A diagram of a typical home
network is shown on the next page.
HOW ARE THE COMPUTERS CONNECTED TOGETHER?
The computers are connected together in one of two ways,
by a Wireless link or by 'Ethernet' cable. A typical network can
also feature both wireless and cable connection to different
computers if required.
In most networks there is a central 'hub' that provides either
wireless, cable or both types of connection for the network's
computers.
IP ADDRESSES
An essential part of a computer network is that each
computer or peripheral is identified within the network.
This identification is achieved through the assignment of an
individual number - an IP address which takes the form of 12
numbers in 4 groups of 3, for example - 123.456.789.012. It
may help to consider this as the unique 'telephone number'
of the computer that can be used to call the computer when
sending data to it or to identify data when it is received from
a particular computer.
In a network, IP addresses are commonly assigned to
computers automatically under a system termed 'DHCP' . For
this system to work correctly there must be only one device
that can assign addresses. In most home networks this will
be the DSL modem/router that acts as the central 'hub' of the
network, also providing a secure gateway connection to the
internet. Each computer is then set for DHCP operation and
will receive a unique IP address assigned to it from the DHCP
master.
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MANUAL CONFIGURATION
It is also possible, although less common, to set IP addresses
manually. In this case someone, usually your network
administrator, will manually set an IP address into each
computer or peripheral in the network. In this case it is
essential to avoid setting the same address twice as each
address on a network must be unique.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MY INTERNET RADIO?
Your Internet Radio is a networked device, just like a
computer. To receive broadcasts from the Internet it must
connect through a wireless connection to a network that
has a 'gateway' broadband connection to the internet. It can
join a network alongside other networked computers and
peripherals and requires an IP address in the same way that
they do. Your radio is set for a default of DHCP (automatic) IP
address assignment to enable it to be assigned an IP address
through the network, but can also be set with a manual IP
address if required.