HP LAN/Switches

At its most basic level, a network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. However when an IT professional mentions a network, they are generally referring to the collection of devices that allow 'Clients' and 'Servers' to communicate with each other.

• 'Clients' can be desktop PCs, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, iPads, iPhones and some mobile phones.
• 'Servers' are computers that handle requests for data, email and file transfers from Clients.
• 'Switches' are devices which connect Clients and Servers together.

The diagram below shows a typical network configuration, with 'Core' switches at the centre, which connect to servers and to remote sites or the Internet via a WAN (wide area network) router. Within the organisation, data traffic is distributed around departments by 'Edge' switches which link to both wired clients (desktop PCs, laptop PCs, printers, etc) and wireless devices via wireless access points.

Next: Switch Basics