With everything becoming available wireless these days a great innovation is the wireless media router. What is a wireless media router? It’s a router that allows the transmission of signals from the router to anywhere in the house that has a receiver.
Wireless routers are becoming more and more popular. They have many uses, one of which is viewing pictures and movies from your computer on your television. This comes in very handy when you have media files that you can’t burn on CD or cannot be played on your DVD player.
A second use would be to transmit paid television. For example if you paid for HBO usually you would be able to only view it on one nominated television. With the wireless media router you can send the signal you television is receiving, HBO, to any other television in the house. You can even change the channel from the remote television while viewing.
The third use would be watching television at a location where an antenna is not available. This means no more long cables leading from room to room just to be able to watch television.
Depending on the amount of receivers you have you can receive the signal from multiple televisions. How does it work? The receivers are connected to the remote televisions. The router takes the signal from the source television and distributes it to the remote televisions by way of the receiver. On the remote television a certain channel is dedicated to this receiver meaning you can watch independent television, and easily switch the channel to the signal being received from the wireless router.
This also makes running your entertainment room a breeze. The receiver can also be hooked up-to a projector making it easy to view anything you wish. This means you will not need to purchase separate DVD players VCR’s for every room.
With everything becoming available wireless these days a great innovation is the wireless media router. What is a wireless media router? It’s a router that allows the transmission of signals from the router to anywhere in the house that has a receiver.
Wireless routers are becoming more and more popular. They have many uses, one of which is viewing pictures and movies from your computer on your television. This comes in very handy when you have media files that you can’t burn on CD or cannot be played on your DVD player.
A second use would be to transmit paid television. For example if you paid for HBO usually you would be able to only view it on one nominated television. With the wireless media router you can send the signal you television is receiving, HBO, to any other television in the house. You can even change the channel from the remote television while viewing.
The third use would be watching television at a location where an antenna is not available. This means no more long cables leading from room to room just to be able to watch television.
Depending on the amount of receivers you have you can receive the signal from multiple televisions. How does it work? The receivers are connected to the remote televisions. The router takes the signal from the source television and distributes it to the remote televisions by way of the receiver. On the remote television a certain channel is dedicated to this receiver meaning you can watch independent television, and easily switch the channel to the signal being received from the wireless router.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Network Training for Successful Network and System Management
Big companies often have a large network that they need to manage and maintain. This type of system management requires staff that has a computer technical education as well as network training. Without this type of extensive system management large companies would be unable to function as a working whole. Network training gives someone the skills and training that they need to manage and control a large network, as well as make decisions regarding the network that can affect the entire company.
Many of the details pertaining to network management have to do with the security issues surrounding the computer network of a company. There are many issues that have to do with the security of a company that uses computers as one of their main forms of communication with the outside world. This communication via the Internet means that individual computers, as well as the entire network, are at risk when ports to the outside computer world are opened. Network training gives people the skills that they need to maintain a secure system and keep track of the computer network. With secure network management the communication network of a company can be managed and maintained.
The number of network management positions within a company will be determined by the size of the company. The larger the network of computers the more system administration will be needed to keep track of all the system tools and computers. Studies show that companies without any type of network management in place will soon be plagued with issues of down time as their computer system fails to run efficiently. Studies also show that hiring a computer technician without proper network training can lead to an inefficient system as well. As more companies rely on their computer system for communication with their clients and customers, the importance of adequate and superior network management will increase.
Big companies often have a large network that they need to manage and maintain. This type of system management requires staff that has a computer technical education as well as network training. Without this type of extensive system management large companies would be unable to function as a working whole. Network training gives someone the skills and training that they need to manage and control a large network, as well as make decisions regarding the network that can affect the entire company.
Many of the details pertaining to network management have to do with the security issues surrounding the computer network of a company. There are many issues that have to do with the security of a company that uses computers as one of their main forms of communication with the outside world. This communication via the Internet means that individual computers, as well as the entire network, are at risk when ports to the outside computer world are opened. Network training gives people the skills that they need to maintain a secure system and keep track of the computer network. With secure network management the communication network of a company can be managed and maintained.
Many of the details pertaining to network management have to do with the security issues surrounding the computer network of a company. There are many issues that have to do with the security of a company that uses computers as one of their main forms of communication with the outside world. This communication via the Internet means that individual computers, as well as the entire network, are at risk when ports to the outside computer world are opened. Network training gives people the skills that they need to maintain a secure system and keep track of the computer network. With secure network management the communication network of a company can be managed and maintained.
The number of network management positions within a company will be determined by the size of the company. The larger the network of computers the more system administration will be needed to keep track of all the system tools and computers. Studies show that companies without any type of network management in place will soon be plagued with issues of down time as their computer system fails to run efficiently. Studies also show that hiring a computer technician without proper network training can lead to an inefficient system as well. As more companies rely on their computer system for communication with their clients and customers, the importance of adequate and superior network management will increase.
Big companies often have a large network that they need to manage and maintain. This type of system management requires staff that has a computer technical education as well as network training. Without this type of extensive system management large companies would be unable to function as a working whole. Network training gives someone the skills and training that they need to manage and control a large network, as well as make decisions regarding the network that can affect the entire company.
Many of the details pertaining to network management have to do with the security issues surrounding the computer network of a company. There are many issues that have to do with the security of a company that uses computers as one of their main forms of communication with the outside world. This communication via the Internet means that individual computers, as well as the entire network, are at risk when ports to the outside computer world are opened. Network training gives people the skills that they need to maintain a secure system and keep track of the computer network. With secure network management the communication network of a company can be managed and maintained.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Cisco CCNA Exam Tutorial: The Best Time To Schedule Your Exam
In preparing for CCNA exam success, one of the basic steps is to schedule your exam! And when should you do that?
Schedule your exam NOW.
I can hear you now -- " Why should I schedule my exam now? I haven’t started studying yet!"
From experience, I can tell you that this technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline. “Stress” is not the dirty word that we’ve made it out to be. A diamond is only a lump of coal that was put under pressure.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this:
"I’ll schedule my exam when I’m ready."
You know when "ready" is? For many people, NEVER. I know someone who’s been preparing for his CCNA for years – literally! He’s going to schedule that exam when he’s ready. He’s been getting ready for years!
By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You’ll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. I have used this technique for my CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE exams. It will work for you!
You can schedule your exam with Prometric or VUE right now! Just search for either of those companies in your favorite search engine, and register online today.
Both sites have test center locators, so no matter where you are in the world, you can find the testing center nearest you.
We all have times of the day that we’re mentally sharper than others. I personally am a "morning person", so I always schedule my exams for first thing in the morning. If you’re stronger in the afternoon, schedule an afternoon exam. Regardless of the time of day you’re going to take the exam – schedule it now, right now!
In preparing for CCNA exam success, one of the basic steps is to schedule your exam! And when should you do that?
Schedule your exam NOW.
I can hear you now -- " Why should I schedule my exam now? I haven’t started studying yet!"
From experience, I can tell you that this technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline. “Stress” is not the dirty word that we’ve made it out to be. A diamond is only a lump of coal that was put under pressure.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this:
"I’ll schedule my exam when I’m ready."
You know when "ready" is? For many people, NEVER. I know someone who’s been preparing for his CCNA for years – literally! He’s going to schedule that exam when he’s ready. He’s been getting ready for years!
By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You’ll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. I have used this technique for my CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE exams. It will work for you!
Schedule your exam NOW.
I can hear you now -- " Why should I schedule my exam now? I haven’t started studying yet!"
From experience, I can tell you that this technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline. “Stress” is not the dirty word that we’ve made it out to be. A diamond is only a lump of coal that was put under pressure.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this:
"I’ll schedule my exam when I’m ready."
You know when "ready" is? For many people, NEVER. I know someone who’s been preparing for his CCNA for years – literally! He’s going to schedule that exam when he’s ready. He’s been getting ready for years!
By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You’ll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. I have used this technique for my CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE exams. It will work for you!
You can schedule your exam with Prometric or VUE right now! Just search for either of those companies in your favorite search engine, and register online today.
Both sites have test center locators, so no matter where you are in the world, you can find the testing center nearest you.
We all have times of the day that we’re mentally sharper than others. I personally am a "morning person", so I always schedule my exams for first thing in the morning. If you’re stronger in the afternoon, schedule an afternoon exam. Regardless of the time of day you’re going to take the exam – schedule it now, right now!
In preparing for CCNA exam success, one of the basic steps is to schedule your exam! And when should you do that?
Schedule your exam NOW.
I can hear you now -- " Why should I schedule my exam now? I haven’t started studying yet!"
From experience, I can tell you that this technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline. “Stress” is not the dirty word that we’ve made it out to be. A diamond is only a lump of coal that was put under pressure.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this:
"I’ll schedule my exam when I’m ready."
You know when "ready" is? For many people, NEVER. I know someone who’s been preparing for his CCNA for years – literally! He’s going to schedule that exam when he’s ready. He’s been getting ready for years!
By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You’ll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. I have used this technique for my CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE exams. It will work for you!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Cisco Certification: The Importance Of Building Your Own Practice Lab
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: “Get some hands-on experience”. From my personal experience climbing the Cisco certification ladder, I can tell you firsthand that there is no learning like hands-on learning. No simulator in the world is going to give you the experience you will get cabling and configuring your own routers.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
The good news for current CCNA and CCNP candidates interested in building their own labs is that used Cisco equipment has never been more plentiful or cheaper. eBay is a good way to get an idea of what’s out there and what the prices are, but you don’t have to assemble your lab one piece at a time. Many eBay vendors who sell used Cisco equipment sell ready-made CCNA and CCNP labs for one price, including cables. I personally recommend www.ciscokits.com and www.horizondatacom.com for your lab needs, and there are many other vendors as well.
And should you desire to sell your lab after you complete your certification, you can either negotiate a price with the vendor who sold it to you, or you can sell it yourself on ebay. It’s my experience that 95% of candidates who earn their CCNA go on to pursue their CCNP within one year, though, so don’t sell it too quickly.
In the end, you spend only a few hundred dollars, and you gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will help you both in your certification quest and your job performance. Having been there, I can tell you that you will learn much more from actually configuring and cabling your own equipment than you ever will from any simulation of the real thing.
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: “Get some hands-on experience”. From my personal experience climbing the Cisco certification ladder, I can tell you firsthand that there is no learning like hands-on learning. No simulator in the world is going to give you the experience you will get cabling and configuring your own routers.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
The good news for current CCNA and CCNP candidates interested in building their own labs is that used Cisco equipment has never been more plentiful or cheaper. eBay is a good way to get an idea of what’s out there and what the prices are, but you don’t have to assemble your lab one piece at a time. Many eBay vendors who sell used Cisco equipment sell ready-made CCNA and CCNP labs for one price, including cables. I personally recommend www.ciscokits.com and www.horizondatacom.com for your lab needs, and there are many other vendors as well.
And should you desire to sell your lab after you complete your certification, you can either negotiate a price with the vendor who sold it to you, or you can sell it yourself on ebay. It’s my experience that 95% of candidates who earn their CCNA go on to pursue their CCNP within one year, though, so don’t sell it too quickly.
In the end, you spend only a few hundred dollars, and you gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will help you both in your certification quest and your job performance. Having been there, I can tell you that you will learn much more from actually configuring and cabling your own equipment than you ever will from any simulation of the real thing.
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: “Get some hands-on experience”. From my personal experience climbing the Cisco certification ladder, I can tell you firsthand that there is no learning like hands-on learning. No simulator in the world is going to give you the experience you will get cabling and configuring your own routers.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
What is a Virtual Private Network?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a way of using the Internet to provide remote users with secure access to their network. Data is scrambled as it’s sent through the Internet ensuring privacy. In other words a business which may be located in New York can use the company’s network to send encrypted information to different branches of the business located in other parts of the country.
Information doesn’t have to be sent office to office either. An individual choosing to work at home can have all of the same amenities (programs, email, etc) as working in the office, thanks to a VPN. Because all data is scrambled prior to being sent, and decrypted once it reaches its destination, there’s no fear of interception since only authorized users can view the information.
With a VPN, data is carried over the Internet through a process called tunneling. Tunneling is when a package is placed within another package before it’s encrypted and sent to its destination. The path in which the packet travels is called a tunnel.
A firewall can be set up to prevent a barrier between a private network and the Internet. The firewall can be set up to only accept certain information and also reject packets containing unwanted information. For purposes of security, the firewall should be set up prior to installing a VPN.
The Benefits of a VPN are:
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Security
- Lower operational costs
- Simplified Network Topology
- Opportunities for Global Networking
While there are plenty of pros to setting up and using a Virtual Private Network, there’s also a con or two. For instance, someone with in-depth knowledge of network security and dealing with VPNs will have to be on staff or specialized training will be required to ensure things run smoothly. Also, different vendors might provide different technologies so not all networks may be compatible. For sure there are kinks to be worked out. Once they are however, it would be worth it to look into Virtual Private Networking for your business - especially if the benefits outweigh the risks.
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a way of using the Internet to provide remote users with secure access to their network. Data is scrambled as it’s sent through the Internet ensuring privacy. In other words a business which may be located in New York can use the company’s network to send encrypted information to different branches of the business located in other parts of the country.
Information doesn’t have to be sent office to office either. An individual choosing to work at home can have all of the same amenities (programs, email, etc) as working in the office, thanks to a VPN. Because all data is scrambled prior to being sent, and decrypted once it reaches its destination, there’s no fear of interception since only authorized users can view the information.
With a VPN, data is carried over the Internet through a process called tunneling. Tunneling is when a package is placed within another package before it’s encrypted and sent to its destination. The path in which the packet travels is called a tunnel.
A firewall can be set up to prevent a barrier between a private network and the Internet. The firewall can be set up to only accept certain information and also reject packets containing unwanted information. For purposes of security, the firewall should be set up prior to installing a VPN.
The Benefits of a VPN are:
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Security
- Lower operational costs
- Simplified Network Topology
- Opportunities for Global Networking
While there are plenty of pros to setting up and using a Virtual Private Network, there’s also a con or two. For instance, someone with in-depth knowledge of network security and dealing with VPNs will have to be on staff or specialized training will be required to ensure things run smoothly. Also, different vendors might provide different technologies so not all networks may be compatible. For sure there are kinks to be worked out. Once they are however, it would be worth it to look into Virtual Private Networking for your business - especially if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Information doesn’t have to be sent office to office either. An individual choosing to work at home can have all of the same amenities (programs, email, etc) as working in the office, thanks to a VPN. Because all data is scrambled prior to being sent, and decrypted once it reaches its destination, there’s no fear of interception since only authorized users can view the information.
With a VPN, data is carried over the Internet through a process called tunneling. Tunneling is when a package is placed within another package before it’s encrypted and sent to its destination. The path in which the packet travels is called a tunnel.
A firewall can be set up to prevent a barrier between a private network and the Internet. The firewall can be set up to only accept certain information and also reject packets containing unwanted information. For purposes of security, the firewall should be set up prior to installing a VPN.
The Benefits of a VPN are:
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Security
- Lower operational costs
- Simplified Network Topology
- Opportunities for Global Networking
While there are plenty of pros to setting up and using a Virtual Private Network, there’s also a con or two. For instance, someone with in-depth knowledge of network security and dealing with VPNs will have to be on staff or specialized training will be required to ensure things run smoothly. Also, different vendors might provide different technologies so not all networks may be compatible. For sure there are kinks to be worked out. Once they are however, it would be worth it to look into Virtual Private Networking for your business - especially if the benefits outweigh the risks.
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a way of using the Internet to provide remote users with secure access to their network. Data is scrambled as it’s sent through the Internet ensuring privacy. In other words a business which may be located in New York can use the company’s network to send encrypted information to different branches of the business located in other parts of the country.
Information doesn’t have to be sent office to office either. An individual choosing to work at home can have all of the same amenities (programs, email, etc) as working in the office, thanks to a VPN. Because all data is scrambled prior to being sent, and decrypted once it reaches its destination, there’s no fear of interception since only authorized users can view the information.
With a VPN, data is carried over the Internet through a process called tunneling. Tunneling is when a package is placed within another package before it’s encrypted and sent to its destination. The path in which the packet travels is called a tunnel.
A firewall can be set up to prevent a barrier between a private network and the Internet. The firewall can be set up to only accept certain information and also reject packets containing unwanted information. For purposes of security, the firewall should be set up prior to installing a VPN.
The Benefits of a VPN are:
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Security
- Lower operational costs
- Simplified Network Topology
- Opportunities for Global Networking
While there are plenty of pros to setting up and using a Virtual Private Network, there’s also a con or two. For instance, someone with in-depth knowledge of network security and dealing with VPNs will have to be on staff or specialized training will be required to ensure things run smoothly. Also, different vendors might provide different technologies so not all networks may be compatible. For sure there are kinks to be worked out. Once they are however, it would be worth it to look into Virtual Private Networking for your business - especially if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Cisco CCNP / BSCI Certification Exam: Five OSPF Details You Must Know
Preparing for your BSCI exam on your way to the Cisco CCNP certification, you can quickly get overwhelmed by the details! Here are five commonly overlooked points you should keep in mind when it comes to your OSPF studies.
The virtual link command includes the area number of the transit area, and if authentication is being used on Area 0, the virtual link command must include the authentication statement. Since the virtual link is a logical extension of Area 0, it stands to reason that it has to be configured with the authentication type and password configured on Area 0.
OSPF requires no seed metric when routes are being redistributed into an OSPF domain. The default cost for such routes is 20, but you do need to use the "subnets" option if you want to redistribute subnets into OSPF.
There are two kinds of external OSPF routes. The default, E2, reflects the cost of the path from the ASBR to the external destination. The other option, E1, has a cost reflecting the entire path from the local router to the external destination.
When configuring stub areas, each router in the area must agree that the area is stub. For a total stub area, only the ABR needs to be configured with the "no-summary" option, but all routers in the area still must agree that the area is stub.
Routers in a stub area will have a default route to use to reach external destinations; routers in total stub areas will have a default route to use in order to reach both external and inter-area networks.
The BSCI exam and CCNP certification require a great deal of dedication and hard work. Keep studying and paying attention to the details, and you will get there!
Preparing for your BSCI exam on your way to the Cisco CCNP certification, you can quickly get overwhelmed by the details! Here are five commonly overlooked points you should keep in mind when it comes to your OSPF studies.
The virtual link command includes the area number of the transit area, and if authentication is being used on Area 0, the virtual link command must include the authentication statement. Since the virtual link is a logical extension of Area 0, it stands to reason that it has to be configured with the authentication type and password configured on Area 0.
OSPF requires no seed metric when routes are being redistributed into an OSPF domain. The default cost for such routes is 20, but you do need to use the "subnets" option if you want to redistribute subnets into OSPF.
There are two kinds of external OSPF routes. The default, E2, reflects the cost of the path from the ASBR to the external destination. The other option, E1, has a cost reflecting the entire path from the local router to the external destination.
When configuring stub areas, each router in the area must agree that the area is stub. For a total stub area, only the ABR needs to be configured with the "no-summary" option, but all routers in the area still must agree that the area is stub.
The virtual link command includes the area number of the transit area, and if authentication is being used on Area 0, the virtual link command must include the authentication statement. Since the virtual link is a logical extension of Area 0, it stands to reason that it has to be configured with the authentication type and password configured on Area 0.
OSPF requires no seed metric when routes are being redistributed into an OSPF domain. The default cost for such routes is 20, but you do need to use the "subnets" option if you want to redistribute subnets into OSPF.
There are two kinds of external OSPF routes. The default, E2, reflects the cost of the path from the ASBR to the external destination. The other option, E1, has a cost reflecting the entire path from the local router to the external destination.
When configuring stub areas, each router in the area must agree that the area is stub. For a total stub area, only the ABR needs to be configured with the "no-summary" option, but all routers in the area still must agree that the area is stub.
Routers in a stub area will have a default route to use to reach external destinations; routers in total stub areas will have a default route to use in order to reach both external and inter-area networks.
The BSCI exam and CCNP certification require a great deal of dedication and hard work. Keep studying and paying attention to the details, and you will get there!
Preparing for your BSCI exam on your way to the Cisco CCNP certification, you can quickly get overwhelmed by the details! Here are five commonly overlooked points you should keep in mind when it comes to your OSPF studies.
The virtual link command includes the area number of the transit area, and if authentication is being used on Area 0, the virtual link command must include the authentication statement. Since the virtual link is a logical extension of Area 0, it stands to reason that it has to be configured with the authentication type and password configured on Area 0.
OSPF requires no seed metric when routes are being redistributed into an OSPF domain. The default cost for such routes is 20, but you do need to use the "subnets" option if you want to redistribute subnets into OSPF.
There are two kinds of external OSPF routes. The default, E2, reflects the cost of the path from the ASBR to the external destination. The other option, E1, has a cost reflecting the entire path from the local router to the external destination.
When configuring stub areas, each router in the area must agree that the area is stub. For a total stub area, only the ABR needs to be configured with the "no-summary" option, but all routers in the area still must agree that the area is stub.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Creating a Fool Proof Data Archive System with a Magnetic Tape Library
Most businesses have laws and regulations for how long specific data must be stored, but still many companies don’t have a tape drive, tape libraries, secondary storage or any plan for archiving data. Even if your industry doesn’t have specific requirements, keeping a well documented business information library is a safe bet. Recently, the residential building company Urban Renaissance Agency realized that it had lost archived building plan data for 555 (31%) of its condos due to “insufficient storage measures.”
The mistake not only made the news, but will cost the company millions to recover. Data storage tends to be one of those problems that many individuals and businesses don’t act on until a loss happens. Most people agree that backing up data is important, but feel the process will be too difficult and the issue stays below the radar until a crisis occurs. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly simple to back up, store, and recover data using a tape backup drive and magnetic tape libraries to build a foolproof information archive system.
A tape drive is a very reliable method of recording and archiving data. Using a magnetic tape cartridge, the tape drive scans all of your computer’s files and copies them onto the tape. Businesses might choose to backup files daily, weekly, or monthly. The process can be set up to be manually run or to automatically update at a certain time of the day.
The most important functionality of a tape library is that you have a record of ‘snapshots’ as data appeared at regular intervals throughout history. This means if a customer has a dispute over a contract or a policy from last year, you can pull a tape from your tape library and find the piece of data exactly as it looked one year ago.
Another benefit to storing your data on tape is that cartridges can be stored off site and/or in fire and flood proof containers. More often than not, secondary storage is usually found in the same building as the original data, and often in the same location as the server. With a tape backup drive, once the tape is made the tape cartridge can then be stored anywhere. Because the tapes are there for reference and not part of daily use, they can easily be locked away and stored in disaster and theft resistant safes.
Tape drives come with a variety of options including file cataloging features; a comparison feature that will check the data on the drive against a current document, and are available in a variety of speeds. The tapes you’ll use to build your tape libraries will vary as well. It’s recommended to discuss your options with a data storage specialist who can help you build a system around your budget and your unique business needs.
Most businesses have laws and regulations for how long specific data must be stored, but still many companies don’t have a tape drive, tape libraries, secondary storage or any plan for archiving data. Even if your industry doesn’t have specific requirements, keeping a well documented business information library is a safe bet. Recently, the residential building company Urban Renaissance Agency realized that it had lost archived building plan data for 555 (31%) of its condos due to “insufficient storage measures.”
The mistake not only made the news, but will cost the company millions to recover. Data storage tends to be one of those problems that many individuals and businesses don’t act on until a loss happens. Most people agree that backing up data is important, but feel the process will be too difficult and the issue stays below the radar until a crisis occurs. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly simple to back up, store, and recover data using a tape backup drive and magnetic tape libraries to build a foolproof information archive system.
A tape drive is a very reliable method of recording and archiving data. Using a magnetic tape cartridge, the tape drive scans all of your computer’s files and copies them onto the tape. Businesses might choose to backup files daily, weekly, or monthly. The process can be set up to be manually run or to automatically update at a certain time of the day.
The most important functionality of a tape library is that you have a record of ‘snapshots’ as data appeared at regular intervals throughout history. This means if a customer has a dispute over a contract or a policy from last year, you can pull a tape from your tape library and find the piece of data exactly as it looked one year ago.
Another benefit to storing your data on tape is that cartridges can be stored off site and/or in fire and flood proof containers. More often than not, secondary storage is usually found in the same building as the original data, and often in the same location as the server. With a tape backup drive, once the tape is made the tape cartridge can then be stored anywhere. Because the tapes are there for reference and not part of daily use, they can easily be locked away and stored in disaster and theft resistant safes.
The mistake not only made the news, but will cost the company millions to recover. Data storage tends to be one of those problems that many individuals and businesses don’t act on until a loss happens. Most people agree that backing up data is important, but feel the process will be too difficult and the issue stays below the radar until a crisis occurs. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly simple to back up, store, and recover data using a tape backup drive and magnetic tape libraries to build a foolproof information archive system.
A tape drive is a very reliable method of recording and archiving data. Using a magnetic tape cartridge, the tape drive scans all of your computer’s files and copies them onto the tape. Businesses might choose to backup files daily, weekly, or monthly. The process can be set up to be manually run or to automatically update at a certain time of the day.
The most important functionality of a tape library is that you have a record of ‘snapshots’ as data appeared at regular intervals throughout history. This means if a customer has a dispute over a contract or a policy from last year, you can pull a tape from your tape library and find the piece of data exactly as it looked one year ago.
Another benefit to storing your data on tape is that cartridges can be stored off site and/or in fire and flood proof containers. More often than not, secondary storage is usually found in the same building as the original data, and often in the same location as the server. With a tape backup drive, once the tape is made the tape cartridge can then be stored anywhere. Because the tapes are there for reference and not part of daily use, they can easily be locked away and stored in disaster and theft resistant safes.
Tape drives come with a variety of options including file cataloging features; a comparison feature that will check the data on the drive against a current document, and are available in a variety of speeds. The tapes you’ll use to build your tape libraries will vary as well. It’s recommended to discuss your options with a data storage specialist who can help you build a system around your budget and your unique business needs.
Most businesses have laws and regulations for how long specific data must be stored, but still many companies don’t have a tape drive, tape libraries, secondary storage or any plan for archiving data. Even if your industry doesn’t have specific requirements, keeping a well documented business information library is a safe bet. Recently, the residential building company Urban Renaissance Agency realized that it had lost archived building plan data for 555 (31%) of its condos due to “insufficient storage measures.”
The mistake not only made the news, but will cost the company millions to recover. Data storage tends to be one of those problems that many individuals and businesses don’t act on until a loss happens. Most people agree that backing up data is important, but feel the process will be too difficult and the issue stays below the radar until a crisis occurs. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly simple to back up, store, and recover data using a tape backup drive and magnetic tape libraries to build a foolproof information archive system.
A tape drive is a very reliable method of recording and archiving data. Using a magnetic tape cartridge, the tape drive scans all of your computer’s files and copies them onto the tape. Businesses might choose to backup files daily, weekly, or monthly. The process can be set up to be manually run or to automatically update at a certain time of the day.
The most important functionality of a tape library is that you have a record of ‘snapshots’ as data appeared at regular intervals throughout history. This means if a customer has a dispute over a contract or a policy from last year, you can pull a tape from your tape library and find the piece of data exactly as it looked one year ago.
Another benefit to storing your data on tape is that cartridges can be stored off site and/or in fire and flood proof containers. More often than not, secondary storage is usually found in the same building as the original data, and often in the same location as the server. With a tape backup drive, once the tape is made the tape cartridge can then be stored anywhere. Because the tapes are there for reference and not part of daily use, they can easily be locked away and stored in disaster and theft resistant safes.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Computer Networking Fundamentals
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers with communication between them through a medium. The communication medium can be through radio waves, wires, infrared, optical fibers etc.
Computer network is an integral part of our daily lives, with the most important reason being that of communication. The use of computer networking is to share resources like fax machines, printers, modems, files etc., and its other uses are database server, computer server, email, chat, internet etc. The computer to which the resources are attached is called the server and the other computers that access the resource are called clients. In peer-to-peer computer networks there are no servers.
The sharing of fax machines, printers, and modems amongst many computers and users reduce the operational cost. A database on a computer network is a very important application as it stores and runs many important data and jobs. Emails and chats can be used for instantaneous communication and sending of files on a computer network.
The computer networks are classified, depending upon the size, as Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Personal Area Networks (PAN). The topology (topology is the way the computer networks and network resources are connected) of the networking can be classified as Bus Network, Ring Network and Star Network.
The networking hardware basically consists of wiring, network cards and a hub. Computer network cards are required so that one computer can understand what the other computer is “talking”. Network cards have a unique MAC address to identify computers on a computer network. Hubs connect all the computers in the network. Hubs can also be used to connect to other hubs to increase the size of the computer network. Two computers can be connected using Ethernet cards or phone lines or power lines for communication, with hardware kits available at roughly a cost of $100.
As the number of computers in an office or a home increases, so do the number of cables, so wireless networking is a viable solution. In wireless networking radio transreceivers or infrared signals are used to communicate between computers and devices. Examples of wireless networking include Wi-fi and Bluetooth technology, though there may be security issues involved in wireless networking. However there definitely is a stronger preference towards wireless networking nowadays among consumers.
Computer networks have added a new dimension to the 21st century. Today the cyber world is much faster and wider than the real world. This has all been made possible due to computer networks. Computer networks have revolutionized business, communication, travel, research, defense, society and almost all human endeavors. The evolution of computer networks has helped the technological revolution take a big leap forward.
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers with communication between them through a medium. The communication medium can be through radio waves, wires, infrared, optical fibers etc.
Computer network is an integral part of our daily lives, with the most important reason being that of communication. The use of computer networking is to share resources like fax machines, printers, modems, files etc., and its other uses are database server, computer server, email, chat, internet etc. The computer to which the resources are attached is called the server and the other computers that access the resource are called clients. In peer-to-peer computer networks there are no servers.
The sharing of fax machines, printers, and modems amongst many computers and users reduce the operational cost. A database on a computer network is a very important application as it stores and runs many important data and jobs. Emails and chats can be used for instantaneous communication and sending of files on a computer network.
The computer networks are classified, depending upon the size, as Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Personal Area Networks (PAN). The topology (topology is the way the computer networks and network resources are connected) of the networking can be classified as Bus Network, Ring Network and Star Network.
The networking hardware basically consists of wiring, network cards and a hub. Computer network cards are required so that one computer can understand what the other computer is “talking”. Network cards have a unique MAC address to identify computers on a computer network. Hubs connect all the computers in the network. Hubs can also be used to connect to other hubs to increase the size of the computer network. Two computers can be connected using Ethernet cards or phone lines or power lines for communication, with hardware kits available at roughly a cost of $100.
As the number of computers in an office or a home increases, so do the number of cables, so wireless networking is a viable solution. In wireless networking radio transreceivers or infrared signals are used to communicate between computers and devices. Examples of wireless networking include Wi-fi and Bluetooth technology, though there may be security issues involved in wireless networking. However there definitely is a stronger preference towards wireless networking nowadays among consumers.
Computer networks have added a new dimension to the 21st century. Today the cyber world is much faster and wider than the real world. This has all been made possible due to computer networks. Computer networks have revolutionized business, communication, travel, research, defense, society and almost all human endeavors. The evolution of computer networks has helped the technological revolution take a big leap forward.
Computer network is an integral part of our daily lives, with the most important reason being that of communication. The use of computer networking is to share resources like fax machines, printers, modems, files etc., and its other uses are database server, computer server, email, chat, internet etc. The computer to which the resources are attached is called the server and the other computers that access the resource are called clients. In peer-to-peer computer networks there are no servers.
The sharing of fax machines, printers, and modems amongst many computers and users reduce the operational cost. A database on a computer network is a very important application as it stores and runs many important data and jobs. Emails and chats can be used for instantaneous communication and sending of files on a computer network.
The computer networks are classified, depending upon the size, as Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Personal Area Networks (PAN). The topology (topology is the way the computer networks and network resources are connected) of the networking can be classified as Bus Network, Ring Network and Star Network.
The networking hardware basically consists of wiring, network cards and a hub. Computer network cards are required so that one computer can understand what the other computer is “talking”. Network cards have a unique MAC address to identify computers on a computer network. Hubs connect all the computers in the network. Hubs can also be used to connect to other hubs to increase the size of the computer network. Two computers can be connected using Ethernet cards or phone lines or power lines for communication, with hardware kits available at roughly a cost of $100.
As the number of computers in an office or a home increases, so do the number of cables, so wireless networking is a viable solution. In wireless networking radio transreceivers or infrared signals are used to communicate between computers and devices. Examples of wireless networking include Wi-fi and Bluetooth technology, though there may be security issues involved in wireless networking. However there definitely is a stronger preference towards wireless networking nowadays among consumers.
Computer networks have added a new dimension to the 21st century. Today the cyber world is much faster and wider than the real world. This has all been made possible due to computer networks. Computer networks have revolutionized business, communication, travel, research, defense, society and almost all human endeavors. The evolution of computer networks has helped the technological revolution take a big leap forward.
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers with communication between them through a medium. The communication medium can be through radio waves, wires, infrared, optical fibers etc.
Computer network is an integral part of our daily lives, with the most important reason being that of communication. The use of computer networking is to share resources like fax machines, printers, modems, files etc., and its other uses are database server, computer server, email, chat, internet etc. The computer to which the resources are attached is called the server and the other computers that access the resource are called clients. In peer-to-peer computer networks there are no servers.
The sharing of fax machines, printers, and modems amongst many computers and users reduce the operational cost. A database on a computer network is a very important application as it stores and runs many important data and jobs. Emails and chats can be used for instantaneous communication and sending of files on a computer network.
The computer networks are classified, depending upon the size, as Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Personal Area Networks (PAN). The topology (topology is the way the computer networks and network resources are connected) of the networking can be classified as Bus Network, Ring Network and Star Network.
The networking hardware basically consists of wiring, network cards and a hub. Computer network cards are required so that one computer can understand what the other computer is “talking”. Network cards have a unique MAC address to identify computers on a computer network. Hubs connect all the computers in the network. Hubs can also be used to connect to other hubs to increase the size of the computer network. Two computers can be connected using Ethernet cards or phone lines or power lines for communication, with hardware kits available at roughly a cost of $100.
As the number of computers in an office or a home increases, so do the number of cables, so wireless networking is a viable solution. In wireless networking radio transreceivers or infrared signals are used to communicate between computers and devices. Examples of wireless networking include Wi-fi and Bluetooth technology, though there may be security issues involved in wireless networking. However there definitely is a stronger preference towards wireless networking nowadays among consumers.
Computer networks have added a new dimension to the 21st century. Today the cyber world is much faster and wider than the real world. This has all been made possible due to computer networks. Computer networks have revolutionized business, communication, travel, research, defense, society and almost all human endeavors. The evolution of computer networks has helped the technological revolution take a big leap forward.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Ip Troubleshoot
If your computer is not connecting to the internet, these six easy steps will get your internet up and running.
1.Go to your Start Menu.
2.Click on Run.
3.Type CMD then click enter.
4.At the C: prompt type IPCONFIG.
5.Look to see if your IP: is connected. It should say something like:192.168.17.4.
6.Type IPCONFIG/ RENEW.
1.Go to your Start Menu.
2.Click on Run.
3.Type CMD then click enter.
4.At the C: prompt type IPCONFIG.
5.Look to see if your IP: is connected. It should say something like:192.168.17.4.
6.Type IPCONFIG/ RENEW.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Preparing for a computer crashes
For many of us losing all of our information due to a computer crash would be the worst and devastating thing that could ever happen, not to mention if this would happen to any business owner. But the good news is that preventing the potential disasters of unexpected data loss is as easy as storing important information in multiple areas.
To help you not to lose your important data, we'll:
Show you the different options you have at your disposal to back-up your data.
Issue a list of tips to help keep your data continuously safe and sound.
Most of us don't realize how vulnerable our data -- or our midterm thesis, for example -- is until we lose it. But if you keep a backup copy of your work, you'll be able to stop losing sleep over the fear of hardware failure. Backing up data on a regular basis ensures that personal documents, photos of "Kodak moments" and other important files are secure in the event of a technology crash. Follow these quick back up tips and you'll be able to rest easily.
Backup Methods
The most basic method of backup uses software that will copy requested information to a different part of the hard drive for safe-keeping. Unfortunately, when this hard drive fails, both instances of the data may be lost. More advanced software will transfer requested data to a separate type of media (ex. CD/DVD, external hard drive, USB flash drive, Mirra). For even greater security, store this backup media in a different room or building. Online backup, also known as "cloud" backup, securely copies data through the Internet, to be kept on secure storage areas. With authentication (username and password), this data can be retrieved through the web at any time.
Backup Recommendations Create a checklist
Determine which files and folders should be saved. Ensure that the most important files are backed up first. The My Documents folder, commonly found on the Windows desktop, usually contains personal photos, music, videos and office documents. You can also locate My Documents by clicking on the Start button.
Create a schedule
Depending on how often your information is modified or added to, repetition is important. Consumers may want to backup important information once a week. Small businesses may require daily backups. Most software backup solutions can be programmed with a consistent backup calendar.
To help you not to lose your important data, we'll:
Show you the different options you have at your disposal to back-up your data.
Issue a list of tips to help keep your data continuously safe and sound.
Most of us don't realize how vulnerable our data -- or our midterm thesis, for example -- is until we lose it. But if you keep a backup copy of your work, you'll be able to stop losing sleep over the fear of hardware failure. Backing up data on a regular basis ensures that personal documents, photos of "Kodak moments" and other important files are secure in the event of a technology crash. Follow these quick back up tips and you'll be able to rest easily.
Backup Methods
The most basic method of backup uses software that will copy requested information to a different part of the hard drive for safe-keeping. Unfortunately, when this hard drive fails, both instances of the data may be lost. More advanced software will transfer requested data to a separate type of media (ex. CD/DVD, external hard drive, USB flash drive, Mirra). For even greater security, store this backup media in a different room or building. Online backup, also known as "cloud" backup, securely copies data through the Internet, to be kept on secure storage areas. With authentication (username and password), this data can be retrieved through the web at any time.
Backup Recommendations Create a checklist
Determine which files and folders should be saved. Ensure that the most important files are backed up first. The My Documents folder, commonly found on the Windows desktop, usually contains personal photos, music, videos and office documents. You can also locate My Documents by clicking on the Start button.
Create a schedule
Depending on how often your information is modified or added to, repetition is important. Consumers may want to backup important information once a week. Small businesses may require daily backups. Most software backup solutions can be programmed with a consistent backup calendar.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Network Troubleshoot
If you experience any trouble with your wireless network, please read and follow these instructions. Many times following this advice can solve your problems:
Problem: Cannot access network/internet from any computer on the network? Solution: Power down all computers on the network. Unplug both the cable modem and router. Wait a few minutes. Plug in the cable modem. Wait until the lights on the cable modem stop flashing. This could take up to a minute. After the lights stop flashing on the cable modem, plug the router back in. Again, wait until the lights stop flashing on the router. Power on any computer on the network. This is known as power cycling your modem and this can often restore connectivity.
Problem: Cannot access network from one computer when all other computers work fine? Solution: Try shutting down the computer and restarting. If the computer is a Laptop try moving it closer to the Access Point. If this solves the problem you are having signal interference, which can be caused, by many things including leaded glass and metal reinforced concrete walls or floors or simply your computer is to far away from the Access Point.
Problem: How do I boost my wireless signal to a weak area of the house? Solution: Buy a wireless repeater. These devices allow you to extend the wireless networking signal much farther from the original base station. Best Buy sells them for less than $100.
Problem: I have a 2.4 GHz wireless telephone; will it interfere with my wireless system? Solution: 2 .4 GHz wireless phones can cause interference, with your wireless network. Normally symptoms will be sudden loss of wireless connectivity when the phone is in use or drastically reduced speeds. If any of these things occur you can try changing the channel on your phone.
Hang up the phone and pick it up again. This will usually force the phone to use a different channel. Some phones have a "CHANNEL" button near the keypad, allowing you to reset the channel used by the phone.
Problem: Cannot access network/internet from any computer on the network? Solution: Power down all computers on the network. Unplug both the cable modem and router. Wait a few minutes. Plug in the cable modem. Wait until the lights on the cable modem stop flashing. This could take up to a minute. After the lights stop flashing on the cable modem, plug the router back in. Again, wait until the lights stop flashing on the router. Power on any computer on the network. This is known as power cycling your modem and this can often restore connectivity.
Problem: Cannot access network from one computer when all other computers work fine? Solution: Try shutting down the computer and restarting. If the computer is a Laptop try moving it closer to the Access Point. If this solves the problem you are having signal interference, which can be caused, by many things including leaded glass and metal reinforced concrete walls or floors or simply your computer is to far away from the Access Point.
Problem: How do I boost my wireless signal to a weak area of the house? Solution: Buy a wireless repeater. These devices allow you to extend the wireless networking signal much farther from the original base station. Best Buy sells them for less than $100.
Problem: I have a 2.4 GHz wireless telephone; will it interfere with my wireless system? Solution: 2 .4 GHz wireless phones can cause interference, with your wireless network. Normally symptoms will be sudden loss of wireless connectivity when the phone is in use or drastically reduced speeds. If any of these things occur you can try changing the channel on your phone.
Hang up the phone and pick it up again. This will usually force the phone to use a different channel. Some phones have a "CHANNEL" button near the keypad, allowing you to reset the channel used by the phone.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Computer Viruses, Worms And Trojans Explained
Fighting viruses and getting rid of them is big business right now. The first step is knowing just what the enemy is.
THE ENEMY - Hackers and Crackers
Computer geeks say that there is a difference between hackers and crackers. Crackers do damage to systems they break into while hackers just want to see how everything works. We'll use the more common term of hacker. Originally the term hacker was someone who made furniture with the use of an axe.
A virus is "malware" for your computer. This is a term that covers all kinds of software that is malicious. The most common types of malware are Trojans, worms, and viruses.
VIRUSES
Viruses are often hidden inside of other programs, for example installation programs that arrive to you through email attachments. When you run this host program the virus is executed. When the virus is in your computer memory it will be able to do a lot of damage such as infecting other computer programs.
Once the infection phase of the virus is complete the next stage begins: the destructive phase. Viruses will wait for a certain trigger, such as a date or the number of times that the virus has been copied, before the payload is delivered. The payload can be as simple as messages all the way to the deletion of files to the destruction of your operating system.
When viruses were first created they were often distributed on a floppy disk. As the Internet has grown, email and file downloads are the best way for viruses to be passed. Email can have attachments that can contain any type of computer file. Executable files can be loaded with viruses and therefore you shouldn't run them unless you're sure that they are virus free.
WORMS
Worms are much like viruses because they are self-copying. They can reproduce across multiple networks without human aid, such as through the sending of emails. Worms, however, don't need an executable program in order to be passed along.
A worm can affect a computer network more than it can infect computers that are on that network. Because they self-copy they can overload the resources on a network. This can cause slow downs in the speed of data transfers by using a large amount of bandwidth...more bandwidth than is needed for normal network traffic. Any network that routes traffic on the Internet is simply known as software and hardware that is specialized. Both software and hardware can be bothered by malware.
A worm can be created to carry payloads by using an installation program through the backdoor. A backdoor is an access point into the computer that is hidden. The worm uses the backdoor and ignores the usual procedure for login. Backdoors are often used by spammers so that they can send junk email.
TROJAN HORSES
A Trojan horse is another kind of malware. A Trojan horse is a computer program that acts as though it will do one thing when it will actually do something different. This term comes from the story of Troy, a city which was deceived by the Greeks to get into the inner city undetected. A Trojan horse can't replicate itself the way viruses and worms can.
A Trojan horse can be hidden in software that is otherwise useful. When a Trojan horse starts it can do such things as corrupt files, install backdoors, erase data, and keep track of keystrokes. This information will enable hackers to steal your personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.
COMBATING MALWARE
In this series we will talk about what you can do to fight malware. Until then it's important to just be passive and not expect that your computer problems will be taken care of by someone else. Combating viruses needs the involvement of users, webmasters, and software vendors.
THE ENEMY - Hackers and Crackers
Computer geeks say that there is a difference between hackers and crackers. Crackers do damage to systems they break into while hackers just want to see how everything works. We'll use the more common term of hacker. Originally the term hacker was someone who made furniture with the use of an axe.
A virus is "malware" for your computer. This is a term that covers all kinds of software that is malicious. The most common types of malware are Trojans, worms, and viruses.
VIRUSES
Viruses are often hidden inside of other programs, for example installation programs that arrive to you through email attachments. When you run this host program the virus is executed. When the virus is in your computer memory it will be able to do a lot of damage such as infecting other computer programs.
Once the infection phase of the virus is complete the next stage begins: the destructive phase. Viruses will wait for a certain trigger, such as a date or the number of times that the virus has been copied, before the payload is delivered. The payload can be as simple as messages all the way to the deletion of files to the destruction of your operating system.
When viruses were first created they were often distributed on a floppy disk. As the Internet has grown, email and file downloads are the best way for viruses to be passed. Email can have attachments that can contain any type of computer file. Executable files can be loaded with viruses and therefore you shouldn't run them unless you're sure that they are virus free.
WORMS
Worms are much like viruses because they are self-copying. They can reproduce across multiple networks without human aid, such as through the sending of emails. Worms, however, don't need an executable program in order to be passed along.
A worm can affect a computer network more than it can infect computers that are on that network. Because they self-copy they can overload the resources on a network. This can cause slow downs in the speed of data transfers by using a large amount of bandwidth...more bandwidth than is needed for normal network traffic. Any network that routes traffic on the Internet is simply known as software and hardware that is specialized. Both software and hardware can be bothered by malware.
A worm can be created to carry payloads by using an installation program through the backdoor. A backdoor is an access point into the computer that is hidden. The worm uses the backdoor and ignores the usual procedure for login. Backdoors are often used by spammers so that they can send junk email.
TROJAN HORSES
A Trojan horse is another kind of malware. A Trojan horse is a computer program that acts as though it will do one thing when it will actually do something different. This term comes from the story of Troy, a city which was deceived by the Greeks to get into the inner city undetected. A Trojan horse can't replicate itself the way viruses and worms can.
A Trojan horse can be hidden in software that is otherwise useful. When a Trojan horse starts it can do such things as corrupt files, install backdoors, erase data, and keep track of keystrokes. This information will enable hackers to steal your personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.
COMBATING MALWARE
In this series we will talk about what you can do to fight malware. Until then it's important to just be passive and not expect that your computer problems will be taken care of by someone else. Combating viruses needs the involvement of users, webmasters, and software vendors.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
You Don’t Need To Pay For IT!
IT Support has never been such a minefield. With new technologies always entering the marketplace it is now possible to have a corporate-standard IT system without having the financial headache of purchasing a server or even software such as Microsoft Office. For one small monthly payment, companies with 1-50 users can have their whole IT infrastructure based in a secure location, safe in the knowledge that should their office be burgled, damaged or even burned down, the only thing required to be reconnected to your office system and data is a new PC, Laptop, Thin Client or any internet-connected terminal such as in Internet Cafes. This is perfect for disaster recovery.
As your IT system is centrally managed in a safe and secure hosting environment, your IT support requirements are minimal or non-existent due to the power of remote IT support where an IT engineer or technician can actually “take over” control of your mouse and keyboard actions from anywhere in the world. This is a very crucial factor as you can even be taught and shown how to perform a particular task and it also removes the usual time-delay involved when requiring “hands-on” IT support. With a remote desktop your life will be much easier.
There are a great many advantages with remotely-hosted IT & network systems and another great benefit is the fact that you can literally work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. You could be working on a train via wireless or 3G, sending and retrieving documents via Blackberry devices or PDAs, catching up with work on the beach, the list is just endless. As access to your data is mobile, you do not have to worry about synchronising data and carrying data on USB flash drives etc, this all saves you time and ultimately money and the freedom and mobility you will gain from such a system will only benefit your company and it’s staff, allowing for home-working and emergency access 24 hours a day.
Microsoft licensing is a major change that has occurred over the past 18 months and it is no longer necessary for companies to spend vast sums of money on hardware, software and server-related network support. In fact, companies no longer have to pay large sums of money for Microsoft Office, Adobe, Kaspersky and a growing list of software suppliers thanks to a change in the way licensing can be paid for. A great benefit of this is that you can pay monthly for a software product and receive free upgrades when new releases or patches become available.
As your IT system is centrally managed in a safe and secure hosting environment, your IT support requirements are minimal or non-existent due to the power of remote IT support where an IT engineer or technician can actually “take over” control of your mouse and keyboard actions from anywhere in the world. This is a very crucial factor as you can even be taught and shown how to perform a particular task and it also removes the usual time-delay involved when requiring “hands-on” IT support. With a remote desktop your life will be much easier.
There are a great many advantages with remotely-hosted IT & network systems and another great benefit is the fact that you can literally work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. You could be working on a train via wireless or 3G, sending and retrieving documents via Blackberry devices or PDAs, catching up with work on the beach, the list is just endless. As access to your data is mobile, you do not have to worry about synchronising data and carrying data on USB flash drives etc, this all saves you time and ultimately money and the freedom and mobility you will gain from such a system will only benefit your company and it’s staff, allowing for home-working and emergency access 24 hours a day.
Microsoft licensing is a major change that has occurred over the past 18 months and it is no longer necessary for companies to spend vast sums of money on hardware, software and server-related network support. In fact, companies no longer have to pay large sums of money for Microsoft Office, Adobe, Kaspersky and a growing list of software suppliers thanks to a change in the way licensing can be paid for. A great benefit of this is that you can pay monthly for a software product and receive free upgrades when new releases or patches become available.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Cableorganizer.com First To Carry Platinum Tool's Next-Generation Hand Tool The EZ-E Punchdown
CABLEORGANIZER.COM FIRST TO CARRY PLATINUM TOOL’S
NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRONIC HAND TOOL, THE EZ-E PUNCHDOWN
Advanced hand tool’s electronics offer audible and visual feedback
Deerfield Beach, Fla. – Cableorganizer.com, the leader online retailer for cable management and hand tool solutions, recently announced that it will be the first retailer to carry the next generation of hand tool: Platinum Tool’s new EZ-E Punchdown. The EZ-E Punchdown is the first punch down hand tool to incorporate an electronics package into the unit, allowing for audible and visual confirmation of a successful termination.
The EZ-E Punchdown hand tool also features an adjustable force thumb wheel for selecting the optimal punch down force for Insulation Displacement Contacts (IDC). The new features make termination simple: turn the thumb wheel to the desired force setting, seat wire in IDC block, listen and look for sound and light. Once sound and light are activated, the correct force has been achieved and the wire is terminated correctly.
This next-generation punch down tool is powered with a single 9V battery. The industrial-strength housing protects the unit from physical damage and vibration. It’s the ultimate hand tool for all your electrical, networking, cabling, and telecommunications needs.
In addition to the Platinum Tools EZ-E Punchdown tool, Cableorganizer.com offers a wide range of hand tools, including models from Klein, Greenlee and HellermanTyton, as well as hand tool kits, benders, installation and termination tools, hole cutters, toolboxes, and more. Cableorganizer.com is the premier online store for cable management systems and hand tools, increasing safety, performance and protection of cables, and offers tips and “how-to” guides to get the most out of your hand tools.
NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRONIC HAND TOOL, THE EZ-E PUNCHDOWN
Advanced hand tool’s electronics offer audible and visual feedback
Deerfield Beach, Fla. – Cableorganizer.com, the leader online retailer for cable management and hand tool solutions, recently announced that it will be the first retailer to carry the next generation of hand tool: Platinum Tool’s new EZ-E Punchdown. The EZ-E Punchdown is the first punch down hand tool to incorporate an electronics package into the unit, allowing for audible and visual confirmation of a successful termination.
The EZ-E Punchdown hand tool also features an adjustable force thumb wheel for selecting the optimal punch down force for Insulation Displacement Contacts (IDC). The new features make termination simple: turn the thumb wheel to the desired force setting, seat wire in IDC block, listen and look for sound and light. Once sound and light are activated, the correct force has been achieved and the wire is terminated correctly.
This next-generation punch down tool is powered with a single 9V battery. The industrial-strength housing protects the unit from physical damage and vibration. It’s the ultimate hand tool for all your electrical, networking, cabling, and telecommunications needs.
In addition to the Platinum Tools EZ-E Punchdown tool, Cableorganizer.com offers a wide range of hand tools, including models from Klein, Greenlee and HellermanTyton, as well as hand tool kits, benders, installation and termination tools, hole cutters, toolboxes, and more. Cableorganizer.com is the premier online store for cable management systems and hand tools, increasing safety, performance and protection of cables, and offers tips and “how-to” guides to get the most out of your hand tools.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Keep Your Data Safe Behing a Firewall
Firewalls
Computer viruses! Worms! E-mail viruses! Trojan Horses! The media is always full of stories about computer viruses infecting computers all over the world, or companies scrambling to fix security holes in their software by releasing security updates. What can businesses or individuals to protect their computer? Installing a firewall may be one answer.
The Importance of Having a Firewall
While the first computer viruses were transported from computer to computer by floppy disks, computer viruses today can cover the globe in the blink of an eye over the Internet. And they’ve probably made it to your computer. You have likely had to deal with the consequences of spyware and other malicious programs that had have crawled onto your computer while you were browsing the Internet. And as a consequences, you’ve probably spent hours and hours trying to get rid of all the spyware and other malicious programs that have taken up residence on your computer.
Even if you think your computer is viruses free, you are probably wrong. That is why spyware and viruses are so dangerous; you could be using your computer with no idea that they’re there.
Firewalls Will Protect your Computer
A firewall puts a wall between your home network and the Internet. Just like a real firewall keep fire from spreading from one area to another, a software firewall tries to keep computer viruses from spreading form the Internet onto your home computer or home network.
The firewall itself is a piece of software that is usually run on your router or cable moden. By attaching itself to this hardware, the firewall is the first thing any incoming traffic from the Internet meets.
The firewall’s job is to act is to filter all of the traffic from the Internet that comes onto your home network. Whenever a network packet tries to come onto your home network, it has to make it by the firewall first. The firewall will analyse the packet to make sure it isn’t a viruses or some other undesirable communication. If the firewall gives it the all clear, it will let the packet continue on its journey to your home network.
How does a Firewall Know what Traffic is Good?
The firewall will use user-defined parameters and automatic parameters to decide whether the traffic should be let through or labelled dangerous and blocked. As the user, you could configure the firewall to block all traffic coming from a specific IP addresses. Obviously, you won’t be able to do this for all the malicious sites on the Internet – this list would be far, far too long!
For this reason, the firewall will automatically screen incoming traffic to make sure it corresponds to the kind of traffic you would want to receive by running it through a set of predetermined parameters. For instance, the firewall will usually let traffic sent from a website through to your computer, but it will not let someone remotely login to your computer.
No matter what software or hardware you use, you will always be putting your computer at risk when you connect it to the Internet. You can limit this risk as much as possible, however, by using a firewall. A firewall will let you access all the wonderful resources of the Internet without staying awake all night worrying about your home network.
Computer viruses! Worms! E-mail viruses! Trojan Horses! The media is always full of stories about computer viruses infecting computers all over the world, or companies scrambling to fix security holes in their software by releasing security updates. What can businesses or individuals to protect their computer? Installing a firewall may be one answer.
The Importance of Having a Firewall
While the first computer viruses were transported from computer to computer by floppy disks, computer viruses today can cover the globe in the blink of an eye over the Internet. And they’ve probably made it to your computer. You have likely had to deal with the consequences of spyware and other malicious programs that had have crawled onto your computer while you were browsing the Internet. And as a consequences, you’ve probably spent hours and hours trying to get rid of all the spyware and other malicious programs that have taken up residence on your computer.
Even if you think your computer is viruses free, you are probably wrong. That is why spyware and viruses are so dangerous; you could be using your computer with no idea that they’re there.
Firewalls Will Protect your Computer
A firewall puts a wall between your home network and the Internet. Just like a real firewall keep fire from spreading from one area to another, a software firewall tries to keep computer viruses from spreading form the Internet onto your home computer or home network.
The firewall itself is a piece of software that is usually run on your router or cable moden. By attaching itself to this hardware, the firewall is the first thing any incoming traffic from the Internet meets.
The firewall’s job is to act is to filter all of the traffic from the Internet that comes onto your home network. Whenever a network packet tries to come onto your home network, it has to make it by the firewall first. The firewall will analyse the packet to make sure it isn’t a viruses or some other undesirable communication. If the firewall gives it the all clear, it will let the packet continue on its journey to your home network.
How does a Firewall Know what Traffic is Good?
The firewall will use user-defined parameters and automatic parameters to decide whether the traffic should be let through or labelled dangerous and blocked. As the user, you could configure the firewall to block all traffic coming from a specific IP addresses. Obviously, you won’t be able to do this for all the malicious sites on the Internet – this list would be far, far too long!
For this reason, the firewall will automatically screen incoming traffic to make sure it corresponds to the kind of traffic you would want to receive by running it through a set of predetermined parameters. For instance, the firewall will usually let traffic sent from a website through to your computer, but it will not let someone remotely login to your computer.
No matter what software or hardware you use, you will always be putting your computer at risk when you connect it to the Internet. You can limit this risk as much as possible, however, by using a firewall. A firewall will let you access all the wonderful resources of the Internet without staying awake all night worrying about your home network.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Network security drives value
Many valuable business models depend vitally on secure networking. These business models include:
* Delivery of content (music, movies, TV, radio and interactive games);
* IP Network-enabled virtual enterprises, including work-at-home;
* E-commerce (retail, financial services, travel services and many transaction-oriented activities); and
* Messaging services such as e-mail and instant messaging.
Each model imposes its own unique security and performance requirements that influence economic success. Content delivery went nowhere until the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) was satisfied that the technology existed for secure content distribution. Network-enabled enterprise models are gaining favor now that IP traffic can be handled securely and privately in conformance with federal laws such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley and HIPPA.
Network security challenges include going beyond perimeter-based security, bad behavior by authorized applications, SPAM, patching, content filtering, vulnerability analysis and application traffic management.
Much existing security is centered on the enterprise firewall with the implicit understanding that those outside the perimeter (i.e., on the Internet) are bad while everyone on the inside is good. This model isn't sustainable even conceptually given the rapid virtualization of enterprise work and life styles. Security must support mobile or virtual employees and business partners as well as broad new device types such as SIP phones, Wi-Fi devices and 3G wireless systems.
Network-based security must also be personalized according to individual, application and role. For example, should the company treasurer have the same access to the funds payment system when using his PDA as when he is sitting at his desk?
Bad behavior by authorized applications is another challenge. Many new attacks use authorized ports as attack vehicles. E-mail is often used to penetrate network security defenses.
Keeping network security current is also a challenge. Mobile, distributed and virtual work styles aggravate this job because IT staff has less control over every workstation. Employees returning from a business trip, for example, may have become infected with a worm or Trojan while working at an airport hotspot. Technology for frequent, proactive penetration testing and vulnerability analysis can add an additional security layer.
Networking vendors are responding to these security challenges in three broad ways:
* Appliance-based software;
* Development of MSSPs (managed security service providers); and
* Integration of security services into network hardware, especially routers and load balancers.
Network security appliances provide an attractive balance between time to market for new security features and the high-performance of hardware-based systems. Recent appliance-based solutions offer application-level security, strong authentication, anti-SPAM, penetration testing, network admission control, wireless LAN authentication and Web access management.
By continuously analyzing security events across all subscribing customer networks, MSSPs can provide a higher level of network protection and support more specialized expertise than can even the largest single network operator. Open communication about security events across all the MSSP customers' networks also provides an information advantage because individual enterprises are loath to disclose they have been hacked because of resulting negative publicity.
Router vendors and vendors of data center products such as caching systems and server load balancers are adding network security features to their core products. This can be an attractive approach to network security because the network architecture is simplified and the approach is consistent with the longstanding trend in the electronics industry to leverage silicon to do more in the same box.
There is a large, growing opportunity to provide network security products and services. This opportunity is driven by the need to add security to the inherently insecure Internet, benefiting network-centric business models focused on content delivery, IP network-enabled virtual enterprise, e-commerce and messaging services.
Successful vendors of such products and services must be perceived as--and actually be--credible and trustworthy; provide customers with visibility into the security process; and provide broad, technically deep sales expertise and professional, educational services.
Michael Kennedy is co-founder and managing partner of Network Strategy Partners, LLC (NSP)--management consultants to the networking industry (mkennedy@nspllc.com).
* Delivery of content (music, movies, TV, radio and interactive games);
* IP Network-enabled virtual enterprises, including work-at-home;
* E-commerce (retail, financial services, travel services and many transaction-oriented activities); and
* Messaging services such as e-mail and instant messaging.
Each model imposes its own unique security and performance requirements that influence economic success. Content delivery went nowhere until the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) was satisfied that the technology existed for secure content distribution. Network-enabled enterprise models are gaining favor now that IP traffic can be handled securely and privately in conformance with federal laws such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley and HIPPA.
Network security challenges include going beyond perimeter-based security, bad behavior by authorized applications, SPAM, patching, content filtering, vulnerability analysis and application traffic management.
Much existing security is centered on the enterprise firewall with the implicit understanding that those outside the perimeter (i.e., on the Internet) are bad while everyone on the inside is good. This model isn't sustainable even conceptually given the rapid virtualization of enterprise work and life styles. Security must support mobile or virtual employees and business partners as well as broad new device types such as SIP phones, Wi-Fi devices and 3G wireless systems.
Network-based security must also be personalized according to individual, application and role. For example, should the company treasurer have the same access to the funds payment system when using his PDA as when he is sitting at his desk?
Bad behavior by authorized applications is another challenge. Many new attacks use authorized ports as attack vehicles. E-mail is often used to penetrate network security defenses.
Keeping network security current is also a challenge. Mobile, distributed and virtual work styles aggravate this job because IT staff has less control over every workstation. Employees returning from a business trip, for example, may have become infected with a worm or Trojan while working at an airport hotspot. Technology for frequent, proactive penetration testing and vulnerability analysis can add an additional security layer.
Networking vendors are responding to these security challenges in three broad ways:
* Appliance-based software;
* Development of MSSPs (managed security service providers); and
* Integration of security services into network hardware, especially routers and load balancers.
Network security appliances provide an attractive balance between time to market for new security features and the high-performance of hardware-based systems. Recent appliance-based solutions offer application-level security, strong authentication, anti-SPAM, penetration testing, network admission control, wireless LAN authentication and Web access management.
By continuously analyzing security events across all subscribing customer networks, MSSPs can provide a higher level of network protection and support more specialized expertise than can even the largest single network operator. Open communication about security events across all the MSSP customers' networks also provides an information advantage because individual enterprises are loath to disclose they have been hacked because of resulting negative publicity.
Router vendors and vendors of data center products such as caching systems and server load balancers are adding network security features to their core products. This can be an attractive approach to network security because the network architecture is simplified and the approach is consistent with the longstanding trend in the electronics industry to leverage silicon to do more in the same box.
There is a large, growing opportunity to provide network security products and services. This opportunity is driven by the need to add security to the inherently insecure Internet, benefiting network-centric business models focused on content delivery, IP network-enabled virtual enterprise, e-commerce and messaging services.
Successful vendors of such products and services must be perceived as--and actually be--credible and trustworthy; provide customers with visibility into the security process; and provide broad, technically deep sales expertise and professional, educational services.
Michael Kennedy is co-founder and managing partner of Network Strategy Partners, LLC (NSP)--management consultants to the networking industry (mkennedy@nspllc.com).
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
World Wide Packets Ethernet Access equipment upgrades fiber network in Washington
World Wide Packets, the leading provider of Ethernet Access Networking Solutions, announced that it has signed a contract with Port Blakely Communities to upgrade its Issaquah Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) from a data-only network to a bandwidth delivery system that supports both current and next-generation applications to the subscriber for the development's planned 3,200 homes. The initial contract calls for the immediate installation of World Wide Packets' LightningEdge switches in 1,500 existing homes as well as in "hub" locations throughout the development.
"Our new community network will allow us to keep up with the evolution of new content that can be delivered to homeowners. We wanted to be able to stay ahead of the curve and the rapid pace of the consumer electronics evolution," said Judd Kirk, CEO of Port Blakely Communities. "World Wide Packets' LightningEdge was the best solution because it has allowed us to scale with the growth of the development as well as offer a host of cutting-edge voice, video and data services that gives us a competitive advantage."
"The migration from simple downstream services such as Internet access to rich, peer-to-peer services is a natural one for fiber-based networks such as HFN," noted Bill Potter, President of the Issaquah Highlands Technical Advisory Group. "The benefits for homeowners are far-ranging from more choice and better pricing for local and long distance services to HD-quality movies on demand, as well as DVD-quality videoconferencing with schools, hospitals, and other local institutions. We are also partnering with local businesses to bring an HD experience from the fiber directly to new plasmas or LCDs located anywhere in the home."
"The deployment at Issaquah Highlands is another example that demonstrates the power of the World Wide Packets solution to deliver new services to customers using Active Ethernet as the catalyst," said Dave Curry, CEO of World Wide Packets. "The possibilities for residents at Issaquah Highlands is far-reaching. For example, we see homeowners' using HFN to learn network technologies and introducing creative media. Networks such as these will become part of the daily fabric of their lives and we are proud to be the enabling technology behind it."
"Our new community network will allow us to keep up with the evolution of new content that can be delivered to homeowners. We wanted to be able to stay ahead of the curve and the rapid pace of the consumer electronics evolution," said Judd Kirk, CEO of Port Blakely Communities. "World Wide Packets' LightningEdge was the best solution because it has allowed us to scale with the growth of the development as well as offer a host of cutting-edge voice, video and data services that gives us a competitive advantage."
"The migration from simple downstream services such as Internet access to rich, peer-to-peer services is a natural one for fiber-based networks such as HFN," noted Bill Potter, President of the Issaquah Highlands Technical Advisory Group. "The benefits for homeowners are far-ranging from more choice and better pricing for local and long distance services to HD-quality movies on demand, as well as DVD-quality videoconferencing with schools, hospitals, and other local institutions. We are also partnering with local businesses to bring an HD experience from the fiber directly to new plasmas or LCDs located anywhere in the home."
"The deployment at Issaquah Highlands is another example that demonstrates the power of the World Wide Packets solution to deliver new services to customers using Active Ethernet as the catalyst," said Dave Curry, CEO of World Wide Packets. "The possibilities for residents at Issaquah Highlands is far-reaching. For example, we see homeowners' using HFN to learn network technologies and introducing creative media. Networks such as these will become part of the daily fabric of their lives and we are proud to be the enabling technology behind it."
Friday, July 14, 2006
Networking The Home - Home Phone Network Alliance - Industry Trend or Event
Futurists have for many years said that someday we would be coming home to smart homes where the security system, PC and even kitchen appliances would be networked to provide home dwellers with a variety of advanced capabilities. Now, products based on an inexpensive home network standard running at 1 megabit-per-second (1Mbps) speed through common telephone wiring appear to be a matter of months away, just in time for the holiday season.
Last week the recently-established Home Phone Networking Alliance (HPNA) (EN, June 22) got another boost as Compaq disclosed that it has signed a 15-year license for the 1Mbps home HomeRun home networking technology from Tut and that it has joined AT&T Ventures, Itochu International and Microsoft as Tut investors and strategic partners.
The licensing agreement will allow Compaq to incorporate HomeRun technology into future products. Tut and Compaq will also engage in a number of cooperative marketing activities designed to encourage third parties to develop HomeRun-compatible products.
Craig Stouffer, VP of marketing at Tut Systems, said of the Compaq investment: "This is Compaq's one and only investment in the company. Why did they make the investment? Tut had the HomeRun technology last year. Originally HomeRun was designed to go to 2MHz. The problem is that (operating frequency) conflicts with various DSLs (digital subscriber lines)," Mr. Stouffer said.
Compaq, a supporter of U-ADSL (universal asynchronous digital subscriber line) technology made a request of Tut with regards to this potentially lucrative market.
"Compaq is one of the key promoters of U-ADSL and they said, you have this HomeRun stuff but it conflicts with U-ADSL. Compaq made a strong request that we readjust the technology to make sure it's compatible.
And Tut did so. Originally designed to run at 2MHz, Tut's HomeRun technology was boosted to run between 5.5MHz and 9.5MHz, centered on 7.5MHz in order to accommodate Compaq's request, a move that may have made Tut's future, according to Mr. Stouffer.
"It was a good move. We made the changes as part of the suggestion we do that and make Tut whole. There was impact to Tut initially in terms of time to market but it worked out, and that was the foundation of the investment," he said.
Mr. Stouffer also revealed that Tut recently filed to go public. "We have received about $40 million in venture capital and corporate money. Friday, (July 31) the company filed to go public."
The HPNA stepped into the spotlight just a month and-a-half-ago when 11 of the industry's leading lights formed a consortium to promote a new home networking system based on technology from Tut Systems. Founding members include: 3Com, AMD, AT&T Wireless, Compaq, Epigram, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lucent Technologies, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems and Tut Systems. To date, only three have licensed Tut's technology: AMD, AT&T and Compaq but all of the others are said to be in the process of obtaining licenses, which are offered at a nominal fee.
The HPNA has been overwhelmed since then by an estimated (as of the end of last week) 150 requests for membership from companies around the globe. And it is likely that most of those membership applications will be accepted. According to Cyrus Namazi, HPNA chairman and product marketing manager for AMD, because the HPNA advocates an open standard it cannot refuse any candidate that meets the basic requirement of commitment to furthering the proposed HPNA standard.
"We've made some goals and milestones. I'm happy to report we seem to be on track in terms of the 1-megabit specification," Mr. Namazi said in an interview last week. He also revealed plans to set up a certification laboratory that will provide a "seal of approval" to OEMs developing products for the HPNA standard (see story, page one).
Test Lab Revealed
"The gist of it is to set up a technical center where OEM developers can take their products and test against a pre-defined battery of tests," Mr. Namazi said, adding that trials of the proposed specification are already under way in a large number of U.S. homes.
When asked whether the group will use existing tests or develop its own, he replied, "We are developing proprietary tests AND using industry standard tests. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a seal of approval that members of HomePNA can put on their products. The goal is to be ready by the time products are rolled out," at the end of this year, Mr. Namazi said.
Tut chairman and CTO Matt Taylor told Electronic News that HPNA differs from other recent enabling technologies such as the PCI (peripheral component interconnect) bus and the USB (universal serial bus) in that those technologies were created to solve a problem whereas the forthcoming HPNA specification is being crafted to head one off.
Last week the recently-established Home Phone Networking Alliance (HPNA) (EN, June 22) got another boost as Compaq disclosed that it has signed a 15-year license for the 1Mbps home HomeRun home networking technology from Tut and that it has joined AT&T Ventures, Itochu International and Microsoft as Tut investors and strategic partners.
The licensing agreement will allow Compaq to incorporate HomeRun technology into future products. Tut and Compaq will also engage in a number of cooperative marketing activities designed to encourage third parties to develop HomeRun-compatible products.
Craig Stouffer, VP of marketing at Tut Systems, said of the Compaq investment: "This is Compaq's one and only investment in the company. Why did they make the investment? Tut had the HomeRun technology last year. Originally HomeRun was designed to go to 2MHz. The problem is that (operating frequency) conflicts with various DSLs (digital subscriber lines)," Mr. Stouffer said.
Compaq, a supporter of U-ADSL (universal asynchronous digital subscriber line) technology made a request of Tut with regards to this potentially lucrative market.
"Compaq is one of the key promoters of U-ADSL and they said, you have this HomeRun stuff but it conflicts with U-ADSL. Compaq made a strong request that we readjust the technology to make sure it's compatible.
And Tut did so. Originally designed to run at 2MHz, Tut's HomeRun technology was boosted to run between 5.5MHz and 9.5MHz, centered on 7.5MHz in order to accommodate Compaq's request, a move that may have made Tut's future, according to Mr. Stouffer.
"It was a good move. We made the changes as part of the suggestion we do that and make Tut whole. There was impact to Tut initially in terms of time to market but it worked out, and that was the foundation of the investment," he said.
Mr. Stouffer also revealed that Tut recently filed to go public. "We have received about $40 million in venture capital and corporate money. Friday, (July 31) the company filed to go public."
The HPNA stepped into the spotlight just a month and-a-half-ago when 11 of the industry's leading lights formed a consortium to promote a new home networking system based on technology from Tut Systems. Founding members include: 3Com, AMD, AT&T Wireless, Compaq, Epigram, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lucent Technologies, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems and Tut Systems. To date, only three have licensed Tut's technology: AMD, AT&T and Compaq but all of the others are said to be in the process of obtaining licenses, which are offered at a nominal fee.
The HPNA has been overwhelmed since then by an estimated (as of the end of last week) 150 requests for membership from companies around the globe. And it is likely that most of those membership applications will be accepted. According to Cyrus Namazi, HPNA chairman and product marketing manager for AMD, because the HPNA advocates an open standard it cannot refuse any candidate that meets the basic requirement of commitment to furthering the proposed HPNA standard.
"We've made some goals and milestones. I'm happy to report we seem to be on track in terms of the 1-megabit specification," Mr. Namazi said in an interview last week. He also revealed plans to set up a certification laboratory that will provide a "seal of approval" to OEMs developing products for the HPNA standard (see story, page one).
Test Lab Revealed
"The gist of it is to set up a technical center where OEM developers can take their products and test against a pre-defined battery of tests," Mr. Namazi said, adding that trials of the proposed specification are already under way in a large number of U.S. homes.
When asked whether the group will use existing tests or develop its own, he replied, "We are developing proprietary tests AND using industry standard tests. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a seal of approval that members of HomePNA can put on their products. The goal is to be ready by the time products are rolled out," at the end of this year, Mr. Namazi said.
Tut chairman and CTO Matt Taylor told Electronic News that HPNA differs from other recent enabling technologies such as the PCI (peripheral component interconnect) bus and the USB (universal serial bus) in that those technologies were created to solve a problem whereas the forthcoming HPNA specification is being crafted to head one off.
Monday, July 10, 2006
How to Set Up a Wireless Home Network
There are a few different setup scenarios for wireless home networks, depending on whether you already have a modem and a wired router. In this step-by-step tutorial we'll assume that you already have a broadband connection with a cable or DSL modem but don't yet have a router, and that your computer is currently plugged directly into your modem. We will also assume you want to keep a desktop PC wired to the network and to set up either a notebook or a second desktop PC for wireless access. (It's a good idea to keep one of your PCs wired during configuration, in case security settings are lost in the process and you can't get back on the network.) You'll need to buy a wireless router, a wireless PCI card for your desktop PC, and a wireless PCMCIA card (also known as a PC Card) for your notebook.
1. Connect Your Wireless Router.
a. Turn off your cable modem and your wired PC.
b. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your cable modem and plug it into one of the four LAN ports on the back of the wireless router. The other end of the cable should remain connected to your PC.
c. Connect a second Ethernet cable between your modem's Ethernet port and the wireless router's WAN port. (The WAN port is separate from the four grouped LAN ports.)
d. Turn on the modem and wait for the status lights to indicate that it's connected to your service provider. This may take up to a minute.
e. Plug in the router. The status lights will blink as it goes through its own diagnostics; this may also take up to a minute.
f. Boot up your wired PC.
2. Configure Your Router
a. Refer to the router's printed quick-start guide, launch your Web browser, and type in the address indicated in the guide.
b. Follow the on-screen setup wizard, which should guide you step by step through the process.
c. Enable your router's security functions. The options will be WEP and WPA. (See page 88 for more information on enabling WPA.) Both will ask you to enter a key. Depending on your router's manufacturer, you may need to go to Advanced Settings to handle this step and the next two.
d. Change the default administrator's password, which is often known to hackers.
e. Change the SSID—the name you give your wireless network. Again, hackers know many of the default SSIDs and can use them to join your network.
3. Install a Wireless PCI Card in a Desktop PC
a. Refer to the card manufacturer's quick-start guide. If necessary, run the software installation program.
b. Shut down the PC.
c. Remove the cover.
d. Locate an available PCI slot and remove the corresponding slot cover from the back of the PC.
e. Carefully route the antenna through the open slot in the back of the PC, insert the card in the slot, and secure it. Replace the cover.
f. Power up the PC. It should recognize and enable the new hardware.
g. Go to the Control Panel, select Network, select Wireless Networking connection. Click on Properties. Click on Wireless Networking tab. Select the wireless networking name (see step 2e above). Click on Configure. Adjust your security settings to match those on your wireless router.
4. Install a Wireless PC Card in a Notebook PC
Many notebooks have built-in wireless cards. If yours doesn't, follow these instructions.
a. Follow steps "a" and "b" in number 3.
b. Plug your wireless PC Card into an available slot on the side of your notebook.
c. Follow steps "f" and "g" in number 3.
1. Connect Your Wireless Router.
a. Turn off your cable modem and your wired PC.
b. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your cable modem and plug it into one of the four LAN ports on the back of the wireless router. The other end of the cable should remain connected to your PC.
c. Connect a second Ethernet cable between your modem's Ethernet port and the wireless router's WAN port. (The WAN port is separate from the four grouped LAN ports.)
d. Turn on the modem and wait for the status lights to indicate that it's connected to your service provider. This may take up to a minute.
e. Plug in the router. The status lights will blink as it goes through its own diagnostics; this may also take up to a minute.
f. Boot up your wired PC.
2. Configure Your Router
a. Refer to the router's printed quick-start guide, launch your Web browser, and type in the address indicated in the guide.
b. Follow the on-screen setup wizard, which should guide you step by step through the process.
c. Enable your router's security functions. The options will be WEP and WPA. (See page 88 for more information on enabling WPA.) Both will ask you to enter a key. Depending on your router's manufacturer, you may need to go to Advanced Settings to handle this step and the next two.
d. Change the default administrator's password, which is often known to hackers.
e. Change the SSID—the name you give your wireless network. Again, hackers know many of the default SSIDs and can use them to join your network.
3. Install a Wireless PCI Card in a Desktop PC
a. Refer to the card manufacturer's quick-start guide. If necessary, run the software installation program.
b. Shut down the PC.
c. Remove the cover.
d. Locate an available PCI slot and remove the corresponding slot cover from the back of the PC.
e. Carefully route the antenna through the open slot in the back of the PC, insert the card in the slot, and secure it. Replace the cover.
f. Power up the PC. It should recognize and enable the new hardware.
g. Go to the Control Panel, select Network, select Wireless Networking connection. Click on Properties. Click on Wireless Networking tab. Select the wireless networking name (see step 2e above). Click on Configure. Adjust your security settings to match those on your wireless router.
4. Install a Wireless PC Card in a Notebook PC
Many notebooks have built-in wireless cards. If yours doesn't, follow these instructions.
a. Follow steps "a" and "b" in number 3.
b. Plug your wireless PC Card into an available slot on the side of your notebook.
c. Follow steps "f" and "g" in number 3.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Moving away from the commodity game: the evolution of the network is accelerating, making speed to market—not end-to-end control—a key ingredient for
Telecom Asia: During your keynote talk at Carriers World Asia last month, you said we're in year ten of a 25-year network build out.
Vab Goel: If you really think about it today, the Internet is still in a very early stage. IP is a protocol that doesn't really care about the underlying physical interface--it runs over cable, PSTN, TDM and over the wireless network. But right now multimedia and video are still not happening over IP networks. The day is going to come where you'll be able to watch any movie or any TV program from anywhere sitting right in your living room. TVs are going to come with an Ethernet interface, and you'll be able to see what channels are playing in the UK and select what you want. What has to happen to allow that? The network has to change. If you look at most of the broadband networks getting built today, they don't have enough capacity. DSL is the first phase of the deployment. In the US you can't get 300 kbps most the time.
The network is going to change through new equipment deployments. None of that is going to happen over night. The next step is how to really integrate video with the IP network, and then how does it integrate with Wi-Fi in the home. The challenge is making it as easy as turning on the TV. The biggest mistakes we can make are thinking this is the best we can get or that it will all happen in the next year. Is it going to be ten or 15 more years, I can't predict. But one thing for sure is that a lot more innovation is coming and a lot more work has to be done. So the view is that the industry has to be ready for change and to think out of the box. And it has to invest in new ideas and technology because the status quo is not going to get us there.
How does this impact incumbent carriers?
It puts them back against the wall. The more applications are available over the Internet, the more their top-line revenue goes down. I think there are still opportunities for carriers and a tot of possibilities for new services, but they need a service delivery platform that is auto-provisioning and low cost. They also need to have a partnership model vs thinking they need to own everything. They have to think beyond where do I own the fiber and look at the AOL model, the IBM hosting model and the Google and Yahoo models. They have to look at what they have and totally change the way they do business. It can't be a 5 or 10% improvement; they need to look at 200 or 300 or 400% improvement--both in the business plan and the network architecture.
Going to Nortel, or Siemens or Lucent and asking them to be your supplier may not be enough. Carriers may have to take a stronger approach and say they're going to partner with entrepreneur companies and build new services which give them a 200-300% shift. Those that don't do this, their days may be numbered.
Who would have thought that AT&T would be sold for half its revenue. This is a big alarm for everyone and people have to accept it or we can stay in denial. AT&T for the longest time was in denial. They didn't have a single IP network--they had multiple networks and were late coming to the party. Sprint was the first telecom company to adopt Internet--AT&T was two to three years behind. Time to market is going to be key, and if you don't take advantage of it, someone else will.
What do you see as the pathway to higher margins?
Like I mentioned before, carriers need to think through forming partnerships and figure out how they're going to have a global footprint without investing capital in each market. This is self serving, but they need to partner with companies like Virtela that don't own the network but have design capabilities, network capabilities and a service delivery platform, which allows them to deliver complete managed network services, because every enterprise needs connectivity within the country, within the region or globally. They need to take advantage of services like video conferencing, which is becoming commonplace now, but many enterprises are doing it themselves and carriers are getting no revenue out of it. They need to offer directory services and interconnection on the IP layer between the different service offerings.
Say you have a Tandberg as a product as well as a Sony product, can you as a service provide offer a directory, which is a simple software, so enterprises, even though they're not within the same company, can communicate with each other. They basically need to open the platform--you can't keep the network closed.
What are enterprises looking for in service providers?
I think they are most frustrated by customer service and support, which seem to be at an all-time low. Every time a customer calls now, the reaction is "oh, my God he's calling me one more time." The challenge is that enterprises have issues, because he just got attacked by a virus, and he's going to need service providers to help to figure out which IP address these attacks are coming from. So service providers really need to update their backend systems and network management and monitoring systems so they're more proactive. And enterprises are willing to pay for it, because 100% up time for a real-time enterprise has never been more critical than now. But you can't just throw more people on it to provide the required level of service and support. It requires a new provisioning system and base of network management and monitoring, and requires different skill sets. Telecom companies need to be ready to change some of the skill sets they have and empower people who come from non-telecom environments.
Vab Goel: If you really think about it today, the Internet is still in a very early stage. IP is a protocol that doesn't really care about the underlying physical interface--it runs over cable, PSTN, TDM and over the wireless network. But right now multimedia and video are still not happening over IP networks. The day is going to come where you'll be able to watch any movie or any TV program from anywhere sitting right in your living room. TVs are going to come with an Ethernet interface, and you'll be able to see what channels are playing in the UK and select what you want. What has to happen to allow that? The network has to change. If you look at most of the broadband networks getting built today, they don't have enough capacity. DSL is the first phase of the deployment. In the US you can't get 300 kbps most the time.
The network is going to change through new equipment deployments. None of that is going to happen over night. The next step is how to really integrate video with the IP network, and then how does it integrate with Wi-Fi in the home. The challenge is making it as easy as turning on the TV. The biggest mistakes we can make are thinking this is the best we can get or that it will all happen in the next year. Is it going to be ten or 15 more years, I can't predict. But one thing for sure is that a lot more innovation is coming and a lot more work has to be done. So the view is that the industry has to be ready for change and to think out of the box. And it has to invest in new ideas and technology because the status quo is not going to get us there.
How does this impact incumbent carriers?
It puts them back against the wall. The more applications are available over the Internet, the more their top-line revenue goes down. I think there are still opportunities for carriers and a tot of possibilities for new services, but they need a service delivery platform that is auto-provisioning and low cost. They also need to have a partnership model vs thinking they need to own everything. They have to think beyond where do I own the fiber and look at the AOL model, the IBM hosting model and the Google and Yahoo models. They have to look at what they have and totally change the way they do business. It can't be a 5 or 10% improvement; they need to look at 200 or 300 or 400% improvement--both in the business plan and the network architecture.
Going to Nortel, or Siemens or Lucent and asking them to be your supplier may not be enough. Carriers may have to take a stronger approach and say they're going to partner with entrepreneur companies and build new services which give them a 200-300% shift. Those that don't do this, their days may be numbered.
Who would have thought that AT&T would be sold for half its revenue. This is a big alarm for everyone and people have to accept it or we can stay in denial. AT&T for the longest time was in denial. They didn't have a single IP network--they had multiple networks and were late coming to the party. Sprint was the first telecom company to adopt Internet--AT&T was two to three years behind. Time to market is going to be key, and if you don't take advantage of it, someone else will.
What do you see as the pathway to higher margins?
Like I mentioned before, carriers need to think through forming partnerships and figure out how they're going to have a global footprint without investing capital in each market. This is self serving, but they need to partner with companies like Virtela that don't own the network but have design capabilities, network capabilities and a service delivery platform, which allows them to deliver complete managed network services, because every enterprise needs connectivity within the country, within the region or globally. They need to take advantage of services like video conferencing, which is becoming commonplace now, but many enterprises are doing it themselves and carriers are getting no revenue out of it. They need to offer directory services and interconnection on the IP layer between the different service offerings.
Say you have a Tandberg as a product as well as a Sony product, can you as a service provide offer a directory, which is a simple software, so enterprises, even though they're not within the same company, can communicate with each other. They basically need to open the platform--you can't keep the network closed.
What are enterprises looking for in service providers?
I think they are most frustrated by customer service and support, which seem to be at an all-time low. Every time a customer calls now, the reaction is "oh, my God he's calling me one more time." The challenge is that enterprises have issues, because he just got attacked by a virus, and he's going to need service providers to help to figure out which IP address these attacks are coming from. So service providers really need to update their backend systems and network management and monitoring systems so they're more proactive. And enterprises are willing to pay for it, because 100% up time for a real-time enterprise has never been more critical than now. But you can't just throw more people on it to provide the required level of service and support. It requires a new provisioning system and base of network management and monitoring, and requires different skill sets. Telecom companies need to be ready to change some of the skill sets they have and empower people who come from non-telecom environments.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
