14
C
HAPTER
1: G
ETTING
S
TARTED
Client/Server Networks
A client/server network is ideal for organizations that
require fast network access for large applications such
as multimedia, databases, and video.
In a client/server network, all shared applications and files
are stored on one central computer known as the
server
.
Network users (
client
PCs) can store their own files on their
own PCs, and then use the server to access shared files and
peripherals, such as printers, fax machines, and modems.
The client PCs on a client/server network require an
operating system such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or
Windows NT. The servers on a client/server network require
a NOS such as Windows NT or NetWare.
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet are local area network (LAN)
protocols, or specifications, that define the signaling of the
network and specify how data is placed on and retrieved
from the network.
Fast Ethernet is the same as Ethernet, except for the speed:
■
Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps (megabits
per second).
■
Fast Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps.
The OfficeConnect NIC is compatible with both Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet networks. It automatically connects to
the network at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, depending on the
speed of the connected network hub or switch.
For more information on Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, see
Appendix A.
For more information on networking, see the
Network Assistant CD
included in your package.
