Local Area Networking

Local Area Networking

Local Area [email protected] July, 2013

TAX-AIDETAX-AIDE1NETWORK BASICSScope of PresentationApplies to TaxWise Online (TWO) configurations

Overview and configurations of networking for TWO

Covers necessary terminology, various network configurations, and provides references for more detail

TAX-AIDE2NETWORK BASICSBenefits of Networking TaxWise OnlineConservation of Resources: Sharing of Input/Output Devices (such as printers).

Backups: No Backups are required

Internet Access: Networking allows Internet access for all network computers via a single routerNote: it isnt even necessary for other Tax-Aide computers to see each other

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSTerminology - Local Area Network (LAN)Definition: A group of computers and network devices that share a common communications connection and typically share the resources of computers or a server within a small geographic area (an office, office building, organization).

A Tax-Aide local area network may serve as few as two or three users or as many as 20 on a Windows 7 Professional network.

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSTerminology Wide Area Network (WAN)Definition: A long-distance communi-cations network that covers a wide geographic area, such as a state or country. Example: The Internet is the worlds largest WAN

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSTerminology - IP AddressesFor computers to communicate with each other using a router, they must have a unique identifier that identifier is the IP AddressSimilar to a telephone networkTo communicate sensibly, there must be a unique IP Address in the format 127.0.0.1This IP Address is assigned automatically by network router always unique on the NetworkDevices such as printers can also be assigned a specific IP address called Static IP Address.Devices can be assigned random IP addresses called Dynamic IP Address

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSConnection OptionsNetwork switchActs much like an extension cordAllows more computers/devices to connect to a router by adding more portsCant connect to other networks or the InternetNot software configurableRouterContains a network switchAlso provides a bridge to other networks and the InternetHighly software configurableCan be Wireless or Wired or Combination

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSRouterA Router is the device used to create a computer Local Area Network (LAN) when connection to the Internet is required.Router default settings use Dynamic IP Address to automatically assign an IP address to each connected computer or device to create a network.Network printers can be connected to the routerResources can now be shared among devices

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSRouterRouter adds the capability to attach a network or wireless printer to the LAN rather than having a shared printer connected to a workgroup computer.

Network printerPrinter has a network portConnects directly to the routerMore responsiveDoesnt take resources from a computer

Provides wireless WPA security on the Network

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSWired versus Wireless (TWO)WiredMost secureCluttered installation many cables

Next slide shows wired network configurationWired network printer and shared printer shownSwitches as extension to provide additional ports shownAll computers wired to router either directly or via network switch

TAX-AIDEWired Router

W/L RouterN/W PrinterSharedPrinterLaptopLaptopLaptopN/W SwitchN/W SwitchUSB cableAll cables Cat 5 or higherunless specified differently.

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSWired versus Wireless (TWO)Wireless with routerIs permitted with TWOClean installation few cablesNext slide show sample setup configurationRouter is connected to modem via ethernet cableAll computers connect wirelesslyPrinters can be wireless, wired, or shared

TAX-AIDEWireless Router

W/L RouterWireless N/W PrinterSharedPrinterW/L LaptopW/L LaptopW/L Laptop

USB cable

N/W Printer

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSWired versus Wireless (TWO)Wireless and Wired with routerWired and Wireless used simultaneouslyIs permitted with TWOClean installation few cablesNext slide show sample setup configurationRouter is connected to modem via ethernet cableComputers use combination of wired and wirelessPrinters can be wireless, wired, or shared

TAX-AIDEWireless/Wired Router Hybrid

W/L RouterWireless PrinterN/W PrinterSharedPrinterW/L LaptopLaptopLaptopLaptopN/W SwitchN/W SwitchUSB cableAll cables Cat 5 or higherunless specified differently.

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSWired And Wireless ConfigurationsWireless using Host Facility router This connection is permitted for use with TWOClean installation no cablesMay require host network setup from N/W administratorFile and printer sharing MUST be turned off

Next Slide shows network configuration with all computers and printers connected directly to Host Facility router

TAX-AIDEWireless, No Router or Switch

Wireless PrinterW/L LaptopW/L Laptop

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSWired And Wireless ConfigurationsWireless with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) (TWO)

ICS is found in Windows Networking properties In this case, the ICS connects to the host Wireless networkComputers can connect directly to ICS computer to acquire Dynamic IP Address from the computer Router can be configured as wireless Access PointShared printer(s) can be usedHard-wired or wireless network printer(s) can be used

TAX-AIDEInternet Computer Sharing

W/L Laptop connected to Host Facility Network

W/L LaptopLaptopLaptopWireless PrinterN/W PrinterSharedPrinterW/L Router*N/W SwitchN/W Switch* Configured as an access pointUSB cableAll cables Cat 5 or higherunless specified differently.

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSRouter WarningRouters that are suitable (and affordable) for the Tax-Aide program are technology challenged

Not meant for heavy usage, consequently theyre severely limited in the number of connections they can route especially, when they are configured to use WPA security which is required by Tax-Aide

The routers are prone to overheating and dropping connections when 8 to 12 computers are connected

Keep them cool and in an open space

TAX-AIDENETWORK BASICSTypical Equipment CostsNETWORK DeviceRouterSwitchNICPatch CablesTYPE:4-8 Port5-8 PortIncluded with Most Computers14 or 25 (longer if required)~COST:$35 & Up$15 & UpIncluded$4 & UpWhere To Buy:www.tigerdirect.comwww.newegg.com LOOK FORwww.cdw.comwww.bestbuy.com DEALS!www.cnaweb.comwww.microcenter.comwww.geeks.com www.amazon.comThere are many other websites that sell network hardware.

TAX-AIDENETWORK AARP Tax-Aide Network DocumentsFind AARP Tax-Aide Network procedures on the Volunteer Portal at: https://volunteers.aarp.org/portal/core/welcome.htm

Select Volunteer ShareNet linkClick the TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE link, chooseClick the NETWORKING group, chooseNETWORKING TAXWISE FOR TAX-AIDEClick the TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE linkClick the TAXWISE ONLINE group, chooseUSING WIRELESS SITE CONNECTIONS FOR TWO

TAX-AIDE