Pre-installation of Network Equipment

There are several Network Equipment that involve in installation including Router, Switches & Modem. These Network Equipment need to be installing at the costumer premise or office.

Router & Interface Card

 

Router 

A router is a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect, and are the critical device that keeps data flowing between networks and keeps the networks connected to the Internet. When data is sent between locations on one network or from one network to a second network the data is always seen and directed to the correct location by the router. They accomplish his by using headers and forwarding tables to determine the best path for forwarding the data packets, and they use protocols such as ICMP to communicate with each other and configure the best route between any two hosts.

Figure: Router Connection Diagram

Now days, there are many type of routers in the market. Most common router used is from Cisco. As example, the series of Cisco router are: • Cisco 1700 • Cisco 1800 • Cisco 2500 • Cisco 2800 • Cisco 3600 • Cisco 3700 • Cisco 3800 • Cisco 4000 • Cisco 7200 • Cisco 7500 • Cisco 12000 • Cisco GSR and XR series.
  

Interface Card

Cisco interface cards are classified according to the technologies they support. WAN interface cards (WICs) support WAN technologies, such as Gigabit Ethernet, and voice interface cards (VICs) support voice technologies. Voice/WAN interface cards (VWICs) can support voice, data, and voice and data applications, depending on the capabilities of the router in which the VWIC is installed. High-speed WAN interface cards (HWIC) provide expanded LAN and WAN capabilities, such as Gigabit Ethernet and Ethernet switching.
Interface cards that are often used in router:

• Ethernet LAN/WAN Interface Card
• 1-Port ISDN WAN Interface Card
• 1-Port Serial WAN Interface Card
• 2-Port Analog Modem WAN Interface Card
• 2-Port Serial WAN Interface Card Network Module
• 1-Port 4-Wire 56/64Kbps DSU/CSU WAN Interface Card
• 1-Port Fast Ethernet plus Channelized E1/PRI Network Module

Figure: Basic interface at rear panel of Cisco router

 

 

Installation

Installation steps:

1. Connect the power cord to the power code port and the other end to the power plug.
2. Connect the serial cable to the serial port and the other end to the Network Termination Unit (NTU).
3. Connect the UTP cable to the Fast Ethernet port and the other end to the switches or direct to the PC. (Depend on the router function)
4. Connect the console cable to the console port and the other end to the laptop. The router is now ready to be configured.
5. After configuration, the router is ready to use.

 

Switches

 

Introduction

Switching technology is increasing the efficiency and speed of networks. Switches are starting to replace hubs and routers in many installations. This technology is making current systems more powerful, while at the same time facilitating the migration to faster networks. Switching directs network traffic in a very efficient manner. It sends information directly from the port of origin to only its destination port. Switching increases network performance enhances flexibility and eases moves, adding and changes. Switching establishes a direct line of communication between two ports and maintains multiple simultaneous links between various ports. It proficiently manages network traffic by reducing media sharing, traffic is contained to the segment for which it is destined, and be it a server, power user or work-group.

Installation

Installation steps:

1.Connect the power cord to the power code port and the other end to the power plug.

2.      Connect the UTP cable to the Switch’s Wide Area Network (WAN) port and the other end to the router’s Local Area Network (LAN) port.

3.      Connect the console cable to the console port and the other end to the laptop. The Switch is now ready to be configured.

4.      After configured, connect Switch’s LAN port to the PCs.