Networking Equipment: What’s It All Do?
There are many times when explaining to clients what piece of hardware needs rebooted or reset that they do not know what we are talking about when we reference the piece of networking equipment by name.
Even if you do know what is meant by router, modem, switch, hub, etc., you might not know what the equipment does, and why you need it.
Today is your lucky day! Below is a brief explanation of what the various types of networking equipment is, what it does, and why you need it.
Let’s start from your Internet service providers (ISP) main line into your house or business and work our way up to your computer. It all begins with your modem - this is how you initially connect to your ISP’s main line into your building.
The modem is what connects you to your Internet provider, and secures an IP address for your computer or network to connect to the Internet.
The next piece of hardware in line is normally your router.
Some network installations don’t have a router, usually because the modem supplied by the Internet provider has one built in, or the computer connects directly to the modem.
A router allows you to have your own network IP scheme and communicate from your network to your ISP’s network.
Routers allow you to expand your network beyond the one device that most ISP’s modems allow by creating a larger subset of IP addresses for your computers to connect to which is then “routed” to your ISP’s IP address and out to the Internet.
This is why they are called routers, they route network traffic. Some routers also offer the ability to connect wirelessly to your network.
These connections act exactly the same way except for the fact that they do not have an Ethernet cable plugged into the computer you are using to connect with and there is increased security on the wireless connection to prevent unauthorized connections to your network. Some routers also offer a high grade built in firewall.
So as you can see routers can come in many different flavors and configurations.
The final piece of hardware in the chain of networking hardware is your switch.
In general switches are designed to be connected to your router and offer more Ethernet ports for you to connect devices to your network.
Most routers offer on average five Ethernet ports - a switch gives you the ability to expand on the number of available Ethernet ports that can connect to your router.
If you want to have multiple devices connected to your Internet connection while keeping your network secure give us a call and we can guide you on selecting the proper equipment as well as getting it setup properly for you.
If this kind of equipment is not configured properly you may not be able to connect to the Internet at all.
Featured Article Written By:
Frank Wright
Alert: Top Four Threats Attacking Your Network
There are many threats that could be attacking your network. Here are just a few that most clients have happen to them.
Overconfidence
User overconfidence in security products is the top threat to your network.
Failure to “practice safe software” results in nuisance attacks like porn storms (unstoppable rapid fire pornographic pop-ups) and more subtle key loggers that steal passwords.
Surveys promising free stuff result in theft of information like your mother’s maiden name, high school, etc. which can be used to answer common security questions.
To avoid theft of otherwise secure data, think before you click.
Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites like Facebook are exploding in popularity. Threats range from malware (eg. viruses, worms, spyware) to scammers trying to steal your identity, information and money. Many businesses and government agencies are using these sites to communicate with clients and constituents, so simply blocking access is no longer reasonable; defending your company while allowing employee access requires social network education for your employees and the enforcement of strong acceptable use policies.
We can help you develop a policy, then monitor compliance using a Unified Threat Management device that controls and reports on network access.
Attacks On Mobile Devices
Everyone is going mobile these days, not just the “road warriors.”
Once limited to laptop computers, mobile network devices now include PDAs, handheld computers and smart phones, with new appliances appearing in the stores every month. Mobile devices often contain sensitive data yet they are easily lost or stolen.
Be sure to password protect and encrypt data on all mobile devices whenever possible. Include mobile devices in your acceptable use policy.
Cloud Computing
“The Cloud,” in its simplest form, involves using the Internet to access and store your data.
It’s actually thousands of servers all working together to provide computing power. When you access e-mail using a web browser, you are working in “the cloud.” Using the cloud for automated off-site backup is rapidly gaining popularity, but that’s just the beginning.
Companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Google envision the day when we will use inexpensive terminals instead of computers to run programs and access data located somewhere on the Internet.
You need to be sure that any data you store and access across the Internet is secure not just where it is stored, but during the trip to and from the Internet.
Pay close attention to this top threats and it will help with network security.
Firewalls: What Do They Do And Why Should You Have One?
Firewalls are network security devices that protect your internal network (your servers and PCs) from your external network (the Internet).
We’ve put together a basic guide to firewalls - what they are, when you should have one, and why.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is simply a border between the device and the firewall software is installed and running on (and devices on the LAN side of the firewall) and any other devices on the outside of it.
For example, there are many different kinds of firewalls. Windows firewall gives you very basic features, and is built into Windows.
This firewall is designed to block unwanted access to the computer itself and is not designed to protect the rest of the devices on a network.
Another form a firewall can take is a separate device all together.
Having a device that specifically functions as a firewall gives more control over what the firewall can be used to protect.
For example it is possible to buy a firewall appliance that can be attached to the perimeter of your network and block specific connections to your LAN.
When is it a good time to look into using a firewall?
On most Windows based computers Windows firewall is generally on by default so most people already run a firewall on their computers without even knowing it.
That being said, Windows firewall does not give you anywhere near the control or protection of a dedicated firewall product.
If your business requires very strict security and data compliance, or you intend to store highly confidential information (an example would be client credit card numbers), it may be in your best interest to have a third party firewall.
Third party firewalls offer much greater protection and allow the ability to configure specific rules in much greater detail than Windows firewall.
Having the ability to configure rules with more detail makes it possible for you to lock down your network and its possible security holes more tightly.
The reason this is a good idea if you are storing confidential information on a network is that having a firewall gives you control over exactly what comes in and out of your network.
Without this added security it may be possible for your valuable information to be compromised or copied to a remote location without you even knowing it is happening.
Why have a firewall or invest in a better one?
Three words: Vastly improved security. A third party firewall solutions affords you the best protection for your data and network.
If you have important data to secure, a firewall is an excellent step in protecting your network from unwanted access to your network.
If you have questions about your firewall (or lack of firewall) and would like us to evaluate your network security, please give us a call.
Whether it is security holes left open due to a weak firewall or other possible security issues we can help you secure your data!
Fall Is The Perfect Time For An IT And Network Checkup
Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company. |
To make the most of your IT investment, you don’t need to be a technology whiz. However, you should have a plan in place for making the most of your company’s data. As fall approaches, now is an excellent time to examine your company’s technology to determine what’s working well and what could be improved.
Is It Time To Update?
Technology changes rapidly. While your systems may appear to be working well, you may be missing out on new ways to protect your business information, help your business run more efficiently, and better serve your customers.
For example, to run some of today’s most powerful programs, you need a fast and large hard drive with significant memory capacity.
You might consider adding newer technology - such as wireless capabilities - to older equipment; but the cost of upgrading a computer is often more than the cost of a new model.
Check Your Power Protection
Loss of electrical power and power surges are the most common causes of data loss and weaken computer components. If your business depends on computers, protecting the power source is critical.
This is especially important if your area is prone to power fluctuations or electrical storms.
An Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) unit offers both superior surge protection and, depending on the model, anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes of backup power-enough time to save and copy critical files.
The idea of a UPS isn’t to continue your business dealings while the lights are out. Rather, it is to ensure that your data is available when the lights come back on.
Have You Patched Windows?
Have you installed the latest version of Windows on your computer, and do you keep it updated? Do you do this automatically?
It is incredibly important that you keep Windows and your software applications current. Updates improve performance, fix bugs, and many add new features. You should also regularly update and run anti-virus software.
How’s Your Backup?
Consider storage needs in terms of both capacity and physical location. Depending on the amount of data, you can back up to USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs, tapes, or an external drive.
You might also want to look into off-site backup. Our Experts Total Backup System is an excellent backup, disaster recovery, and offsite storage service.
Integrate Your Data
Over the years, businesses tend to produce multiple silos of data. Your inventory, sales data, and marketing information need to be linked together to better serve your customers and increase your company’s productivity and profitability.
Without this integration, you may not know who your best customers are or you could end up agreeing to provide a top customer with an item you don’t have in your inventory.
Best Steps To Secure Your Wireless Network
Will Alston is a PC hardware technician with Tech Experts. |
Do you have a wireless router or wireless access point (WAP) set up in your home or business? If so, is it secured and locked down from hackers and snooping eyes?
There are three basic steps you can take to secure your wireless network. I recommend performing all of them.
By default, most routers have no security set up right out of the box. This means that your neighbors or anyone close enough to pick up your wireless signal can connect to your wireless network without you knowing it.
They can freely browse the web and without the proper security in place, your router and any network device connected to it (computer, cell phone, etc.) becomes visible to anyone that can see your wireless signal.
From that point on, it is easy for a hacker to connect to your computer and see your files or steal and delete your data. If you’re not comfortable making changes to your network, then have a trusted IT company such as Technology Experts to make those changes for you.
If you are computer savvy then follow these three basic steps to make your network more secure.
Change Your SSID
Your SSID (Service Set Identifier, which is simply the name of your wireless network) is what you connect to for Internet access.
You want to change the SSID from open security to “WPA2.” This is the most secure setting currently available on most routers. You’ll also need to assign a security key commonly called a pass phrase.
Do not use something common such as your name, child’s name, or any other name that is associated with you. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and characters.
Don’t Broadcast Your SSID
Who needs to know the name of your wireless network? No one other than you. Not your neighbor next door or that guy driving down the road trying to connect to a non-secured network.
There is a setting in your router to disable the broadcast of your SSID. Again, if you are unsure, then have a trusted IT company perform these changes.
Change Your Router’s Login Password
The last thing to do is change your router’s management interface username and password.
All routers come with a default user name and password that is easily available on-line for anyone to find.
If you don’t change it, a hacker who gained access to your wireless network (or someone you allowed access), can simply log into your router and play havoc with your network. Be sure to change the password.
Following these three basic steps will make your wireless network much more secure from hackers and from intruders accessing your internet connection.
While a very skillful hacker can still get around even this security, they won’t bother trying.
There are too many unsecured networks out there, so hackers would not waste their time trying to break a network that is configured securely.
Remember, if you need assistance or would like a great IT company to perform these changes, give Tech Experts a call at (734) 457-5000.
Network Security: Keep Your Network Environment Secure
Ryan Seymour is a PC hardware specialist and the Tech Experts Service Manager. |
As more and more people rely on the Internet to get things done in their daily life, network security is more important than ever. Typically, small businesses and home network users haven’t had to worry much about security.
Poor network security exposes you to viruses, spyware, and most dangerous, cyber criminals a.k.a. hackers.
These guidelines and best practices can help eliminate, or at least mitigate, the majority of network breaches and security vulnerabilities.
Security Policy
An active security policy is always the most important item for protection of your network, whether it is in your home or in a business environment.
This is simply a statement, or guideline of the rules and how security is setup in the organization.
This role will govern the level of security users are allowed access to on the network. The roles and responsibilities of each person on the network, as they are part of the system, should be clearly defined.
Passwords
Although the most obvious, it is definitely one of the most important,and often, most neglected ttems.
Be sure to enforce strong passwords across your network - a weak password could lead to a user account being compromised.
Email
Certain email attachments can become a major problem if the wrong one is opened, and a lot of the time it is by accident.
Some of the most common file types to block would be: .bas, .bat, .vbs, and .exe.
Patches/Updates
Be sure your operating system is up to date with most recent patches, security updates, and service packs. This will close many of the vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.
Inventory
Keep a good inventory of your network devices by developing and maintaining a list of all hardware and software components that are implemented on the network.
Try to understand which software applications should be installed, and which provide a weak security configuration so you can monitor those applications.
Adopt The Least Privilege Concept
The least privilege concept influences the network and/or systems administrator to create custom policies for having permissions and access to network resources.
Try to allow only what access is absolutely necessary to users, not giving them more rights to the system than they should have.
Remote Access
Certain ports can be blocked to keep unwanted users from remotely accessing your network and any of its resources.
If you’re one of the many small business owners who also works from home on occasion, there should be a security policy in place for VPN (virtual private network) access and your IT support company should assist with getting connected properly.
Keeping these simple guidelines in mind when thinking security on your network, and you’ll prevent several possible problems from happening, as well as maintaining a safe and effective performing work environment for work and for pleasure, in home or in business.