Prog Media Server For Small Network

16.12.2020 admin

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Prog Media Server For Small Network Solutions
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Prog Media Server For Small Network Box

For any small business, it is important to have an effective way to store data and share it among workers. Thus, any network with more than 2 or 3 users who need to access the same data should be implementing some sort of client-server relationship. It is common to see small businesses who aren't operating with this setup because they simply don't realize the benefits that a NAS or server can bring. When it comes to choosing between a NAS or server, the choice depends on several factors.

The device that sends the media files is called the Digital Media Server, and a device that can remotely access it is called a Digital Media Player. There are also Digital Media Renderers, which just receive the data rather than access it for themselves, and Digital Media Controllers, which essentially function as a remote control.
A media server can be any device with network access and adequate bandwidth for sharing and saving media files. A server, PC, NAS (network attached storage) or any device with storage capacity can be termed a media server. A media server can be further described as follows: Software that enables the availability of audio, video or any other.

What is a server?

A server is not dramatically different from a regular personal computer, but it serves a different purpose. The main role of a server is to manage resources on the network. The server will be using a server operating system such as Windows Server or Mac OS X Server. A server can fill a number of different roles, all of which manage resources and clients on the network. Potential server capabilities include:

Active directory domain controller --> authenticates and authorizes all users and computers on the network
DHCP Server - dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on the network
DNS Server - associates IP addresses with domain names
Printing and Document Services
File storage, sharing and collaboration tools
User or Device Specific Permissions
Applications - applications installed on server that are accessible to clients (accounting software, e-commerce software, etc.)

What is a NAS?

NAS stands for network-attached storage. As you can derive from the name, a NAS is attached to a network and stores data. It's a device that is specialized to provide data storage and make it easily accessible. A NAS provides a central location to allow for synced folders that can be accessed and modified by others on the network. It is also useful for backing up data. In addition to file storage and sharing, NAS devices offer many of the same services that an application server can, but with more basic settings and less customization. It also requires you to use its own compatible applications, rather than choosing from any third party software.

Which device suits your small business?

To decide whether a NAS or server will best suit your small business, break down the benefits of each in the following categories:

Functionality and Ease of Use

As was discussed earlier in this post, application servers are more powerful than NAS, as they offer more functionality. Application servers allow you to install third-party software. With a NAS, you are limited to applications you can download on the NAS operating system. For example, to make a Synology NAS into a mail server, you'll need to download the Synology Mail Server app. Servers are more capable and offer more advanced controls over your network services and applications, but also require more management. The NAS offers less advanced functionality, but will not require as much maintenance or configuration. Businesses with a dedicated IT staff need not worry about the configuration and maintenance aspect, but those businesses without IT may opt for the simpler NAS.

Sharing Capabilities

Both file servers and NAS provide a great way to share files across devices on the network with the use of shared folders. Both a server and NAS allow for control over user permissions. User groups can be created that make files only accessible to those who should have access. The server will arguably offer more configuration options in terms of access control and security than a NAS will.

A NAS is also great for sharing folders with clients outside of the network. Using software like Synology's Cloud Station, you can easily create a link to the shared folder and send it to clients so that they can access the folder or even configure a syncing relationship as they make changes. A server does not offer this ability. If you are frequently collaborating with clients, you should consider a NAS for its ability to allow outside access to shared folders via the internet. If you only need to collaborate among colleagues, the server will meet all of your needs.

Cost

With the difference in functionality, comes a difference in cost. A server contains more powerful hardware and offers more functionality. The tradeoff is that it will cost more than a NAS. An application server will almost always cost more than a NAS. Server operating systems also drive up the price because they often require purchasing licenses for the server, and in some cases, licenses (or CALs) for each user or device connecting to the server. On the other hand, most NAS software comes with the NAS device and does not require user licensing.

Conclusion

For a small business, a client-server network setup will improve efficiency and reliability. When choosing a server device, you must consider the needs of your business as well as your budget. For those seeking higher functionality and can handle the more complicated configuration, maintenance, and higher cost, an application server is the best choice. For those whose are looking for a good file storage and sharing solution, with other basic applications, a NAS is a more affordable option.

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What is Networking and Communication?

Data communications refers to the transmission of this digital data between two or more computers and a computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. The physical connection between networked computing devices is established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.

What are the types of Computer Networks?

In computer networks, the data is passed in the form of packets. The devices that transmit or receive this data, such as a phone or a computer, are referred to as nodes. There are three main types of networks:

1. Local Area Network (LAN): It is usually a small network that is restricted to a small geographic area. A computer network available only to the residents of a building can be called a LAN.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN): As the name implies, these networks cover a broad range of geographic area. WANs are used to connect LANs and other types of networks together so that users and computers can communicate with computers in other regions. An example of a WAN is the much-used and loved, Internet.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN is a network that connects the users with computer resources in a geographic area that is larger than LAN but not quite as large as WAN.

What are the basic components of Computer Networks?

1.Servers - Servers are computers that hold shared files, programs, and the network operating system. Servers provide access to network resources to all the users of the network. There are many different kinds of servers, and one server can provide several functions. For example, there are file servers, print servers, mail servers, communication servers, database servers, print servers, fax servers and web servers, to name a few.

2.Clients - Clients are computers that access and use the network and shared network resources. Client computers are basically the customers(users) of the network, as they request and receive services from the servers.

3.Transmission Media - Transmission media are the facilities used to interconnect computers in a network, such as twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, and optical fiber cable. Transmission media are sometimes called channels, links or lines.

4.Shared data - Shared data are data that file servers provide to clients such as data files, printer access programs and e-mail.

5.Shared printers and other peripherals - Shared printers and peripherals are hardware resources provided to the users of the network by servers. Resources provided include data files, printers, software, or any other items used by clients on the network.

6.Network Interface Card - Each computer in a network has a special expansion card called a network interface card (NIC). The NIC prepares(formats) and sends data, receives data, and controls data flow between the computer and the network. On the transmit side, the NIC passes frames of data on to the physical layer, which transmits the data to the physical link. On the receiver's side, the NIC processes bits received from the physical layer and processes the message based on its contents.

7.Local Operating System - A local operating system allows personal computers to access files, print to a local printer, and have and use one or more disk and CD drives that are located on the computer.

8.Network Operating System - The network operating system is a program that runs on computers and servers, and allows the computers to communicate over the network.

9.Hub - Hub is a device that splits a network connection into multiple computers. It is like a distribution center. When a computer request information from a network or a specific computer, it sends the request to the hub through a cable. The hub will receive the request and transmit it to the entire network. Each computer in the network should then figure out whether the broadcast data is for them or not.

10.Switch - Switch is a telecommunication device grouped as one of computer network components. It uses physical device addresses in each incoming messages so that it can deliver the message to the right destination or port.

Useful Links:

1-Wikiversity

2-Webopedia

3-Wikipedia

Questions:

1-What is the difference between switch and hub?

2-How Is it possible to change the computer’s IP address using some software ?

3- Can we change from one of computer network type to another?

Networking and Communicatio(Reviewed Version)

What is Networking and Communication?

Data communication refers to the transmission of the digital data between two or more computers The physical connection between networked computing devices is established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.

What are the types of Computer Networks?

In computer networks, the data is passed in the form of packets. Everything you do on the Internet involves packets. For example, every Web page that you receive comes as a series of packets, and every e-mail you send leaves as a series of packets. The devices that transmit or receive this data, such as a phone or a computer, are referred to as nodes. There are three main types of networks:

1. Local Area Network (LAN): It is usually a small network that is restricted to a small geographic area. For instance, a computer network available only to the residents of a building can be called a LAN.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN is a network that connects the users with computer resources in a geographic area that is larger than LAN but not quite as large as WAN.

What are the basic components ofComputer Networks?

3.Transmission Media - Transmission media are the facilities used to interconnect computers in a network. Transmission media are sometimes called channels, links or lines.

4.Shared data - Shared data are data that file servers provide to clients such as data files, printer access programs and e-mail.

8.Network Operating System - The network operating system is a program that runs on computers and servers, and allows the computers to communicate over the network.