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Determine the number of computers you want to connect. The number of computers you're connecting will determine the type of network hardware you'll need. If you are connecting four or less computers, you'll just need a single router, or one switch if you don't need internet. If you're connecting more than four computers, you'll want a router and a switch, or just a switch if you don't need internet. Determine your network layout. If your installing a permanent LAN solution, you'll want to keep cable length in mind. CAT5 Ethernet cables should not run longer than 250 feet. If you need to cover larger distances, you'll need switches at regular intervals, or you'll need to use CAT6 cables. You'll need one Ethernet cable for each computer you want to connect to the LAN, as well as an Ethernet cable to connect the router to the switch (if applicable). Obtain the network hardware. To create a LAN, you'll need a router and/or a n

The Quick Definition: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is used to prevent Layer 2 loops, commonly known as broadcast storms, from disrupting local area networks. STP virtually disconnects redundant links to prevent loops from occurring. If you’re tasked with managing bridges and switches, you’ll probably encounter spanning tree protocol (STP) during your configurations. STP is used to configure backup connections when linking between two bridges or switches fails. It provides the most efficient way to forward information between LAN segments, reducing performance issues — without losing redundancy. Root Bridge Election After you connect switches or bridges together, the first thing your hardware does is select a root bridge. This can be any one of the switches, but Cisco normally chooses the switch with the lowest MAC address. It does this because it’s likely the longest switch in service, but it could also be the slowest. This is why some network administrators choose to configure s

oday’s business is non-stop. Employees need access to corporate systems and data wherever they are, around the clock. Only mobile devices provide the flexibility to allow employees that kind of constant connectivity. However, mobile devices introduce new kinds of security risks. Businesses need to consider using mobile device management (MDM) and enterprise mobility management (EMM) software to protect against these mobile device threats: 1. Operating system attacks Much like computers, mobile devices run a range of operating systems and versions, each with its vulnerabilities to attacks. Vendors provide patches, but when employees use their own devices, it’s up to every employee to download and install the upgrade. Protect against these threats by using your MDM software to prohibit connections from devices that aren’t using the latest, safest operating systems. 2. Application attacks If an application isn’t securely coded, it can have vulnerabilities such as storing passwords

Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) have much in common, but the differences are enough to make them two separate acronyms in speech and in practice. Each one has its benefits and downsides, and these advantages and disadvantages can affect an organization’s productivity significantly. LAN connections can only operate in a local area which is usually not any bigger then a house, or a floor in an office building. Typically a LAN will consist of only a handful of clients, but can have upwards of a hundred.  One of the major advantages with LANs are the speeds they can reach. With a LAN, it isn’t uncommon to see technology ready for 1Gbps (1 gigabit per second). Example: If you were to download all 3 816 000 English articles off of Wikipedia it would take just over 13 hours to do so, where as a WAN would take 16 days to do the same. A LAN can operate up to 30x faster then a WAN  Another advantage to having a LAN connection is the cost. It is relatively cheap to