Taking our lab services on line - chapter 3
Getting all the computers in my lab talking to each
other was the first step, once I'd decided to seek online photofinishing
business. My Konica QD-21 was already part of an all-Konica network. There’s
a PC inside the printer, which shares image processing with a sub-PC. That’s
external. There’s also a Q-Station, a third computer which handles the
burning of CDs and can be used for other types of special projects. On the
chassis of the QD-21 printer is a hub or switch which communicates with the
other PCs by way of ethernet cables.
We had been doing copies, restorations, business
cards, greeting cards and other projects on another computer, a
loaded-to-the-gills Dell Dimension 4550. When we wanted a photo print, we’d
use a "sneaker network." That means we’d copy the file onto a
compact flash card and walk it across the room to the QD-21.
Getting ready for on-line photo finishing meant we had
to really get the network ready. Each computer was already equipped with a
network card. I bought a Netgear router and a batch of cables.
Difference between hub, router and switch:
A hub doesn’t keep track of which computer is
connected to each port. Any information that is sent onto the network by any
computer goes to all the others, which decide if they want it.
A switch keeps track of which computer is on
each port, and only sends the info where it’s supposed to go. Faster, more
efficient and more secure.
Routers have a port
designed to connect to the internet, so they can share internet access as
well as local area network connections.
And then I placed a call to my son to beg for help. I’m
fairly competent with computers but found networking a challenge. He’s not
only a computer geek but is also tall enough to string cables up through the
suspended ceiling!
Even before installing the Silverwire online ordering
system, we found the network to be a huge timesaver in the lab.
Next - Connecting broadband to the
network
Our story so far:
|
