Unit 5 Networking

1. Before you read the text, talk about these questions:

What are some components of a computer network?

How does a computer network help a business?

Computer networks are made up of a number of components. The parts of a network, especially a local area network (LAN), are usually connected by wire cables (the most common being Category 5 cables). Wireless networks do not use these, but use a router which broadcasts signals between the network (and possibly receives and transmits data to other networks – e.g. the Internet.

A computer network can benefit a business in many ways. When a company has more than one computer, a network can connect all of them, allowing users to share and exchange a variety of information. Employees and staff members can access the same file, exchange ideas and organize meeting more efficiently and even share the same printer. Also, a network makes it easier to back up all company’s data, on an offsite server for example.

Solutions for Networking.

Network troubleshooting.

People often call IT professionals about network connection problems. But many problems are easy to fix without help. First, reconnect loose CAT-5 cable connections. Next, investigate IP address issues. This group of numbers allows communication on the Internet. Renewing your DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) fixes most IP (Internet Protocol) problems. Next, check the router. The router links LANs (Local Area Network) to the Internet. Make sure the router’s configuration is correct. WLANs (Wireless Local Area Network) have other problems. Interference often blocks their wireless signals. But there is a simple solution. Just move the router away from walls and metals. Finally, cycle the network. Turn all equipment off for a full minute and restart.

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases from the word bank:

DHCP, CAT-5 cable, router, network, cycle, WLAN, Internet, configuration

1. The …….lets a network connect to the Internet.

2. An LAN is a type of ……..

3. Businesses communicate on the ……….

4. We do not use cables for our network. We have a ……..

5. Routers need a correct ………….to work properly.

6. Businesses with LAN use ………to connect computers.

7. It is sometimes necessary to …………a network to make it work.

8. The …………..provides different IP addresses for computers.

3. Chose the best definition for each word:

1. A router

1. A part of a computer

2. A wireless network

3. A networking device

2. IP address

1. A city-wide network

2. An identification number

3. A networking device

3. LAN

1. A local network

2. A networking device

3. A wireless network

4. Give the definition of the following terms in English and translate them into Russian:

DHCP, CAT-5 cable, router, network, cycle, LAN, WLAN, Internet, configuration, IP address

5. Read the conversation between an it professional and a customer about setting up a network:

P: - Can I help you find something?

C: - Yes, I need a router.

P: - Well, there are a few types. What kind of network do you have?

C: - I don’t have one yet, but it’s for the computers in my company.

P: - Do you want a LAN or a WLAN? Some routers don’t support both types.

C: - What is the difference?

P: - A WLAN connects computer wirelessly. A LAN connects with CAT-5 cables.

C: - My computers are far apart. I’d need a WLAN.