Successful Networking: 8 Expert Tips

Networking is a crucial tool in the development of business and social relationships. Knowing how to network effectively can lead to success in both areas. Experts have provided eight helpful tips on how to network productively.

The first hint on successful networking involves getting out there. Whether its attending a party, going to a business event, or joining an organization, the first step in networking is getting involved. You cannot expect to make and develop relationships without making yourself accessible to others. People need to meet you and feel comfortable in order for networking to be a success. For this reason you should try to involve yourself in as many activities as your schedule allows.

Meeting new people and attending social functions is not enough. You need to arrive prepared. This means you need to do research on what events will be beneficial to you. Once you decide which gatherings to be a part of you should do some fact finding on the organization or people that will be there. By knowing what to expect, and by being knowledgeable about potential contacts you will stand out from the rest.

Thirdly, never leave home without your business cards. Make sure your cards include your name, address, important phone numbers and an email address. They should also include a business logo and slogan or tagline. You should give out your business cards generously, even two at a time. The more cards you have circulating at any given time the more helpful they will be. Handing out your business cards is vital but it is equally important to collect them from others. The proper business card etiquette is that whenever you give out a card, you should always ask for one in return. When you are given the business card do not stick in your pocket or in your handbag. You should take a few seconds to look it over to show your interest. You should keep a pen available to jot notes on the back of business cards that are given to you. These notes should include something that will make you remember the person, or anything you committed to do for them.

Next, you should have an effective 15 to 30 second pitch ready. You should be prepared to introduce yourself and make your contact aware of what you can do for them in 30 seconds or less, because that may be all the time you have. You should be passionate, energetic and personable. Have a few introductions prepared that way you can use the appropriate one for any given situation.

The next expert tip emphasizes that you should not try to sell during your networking attempt. Networking is about meeting new people, making contacts, and building relationships, not sales pitches.
Also, while you are at a networking event and meet new people, it is important to ask your new connections about themselves or their businesses. By asking questions you’ll be better able to determine what you can offer them. In addition, people generally enjoy talking about themselves, so being inquisitive will often make you look friendly and interested.

The sixth expert tip is to be a problem solver. When you approach a new person tell them how you can be of help to them now o in the future. Cutting to the chase is usually more appealing.
Also, when networking, you should be assertive. This means go up to people and introduce yourself; don’t wait for them to approach you. Try not to spend too much time talking to people you already know. While this might be more comfortable it is not an effective way to make new connections.

Computer networking device

A full list of Computer networking devices are units that mediate data in a computer network. Computer networking devices are also called network equipment, Intermediate Systems (IS) or InterWorking Unit (IWU). Units which are the last receiver or generate data are called hosts or data terminal equipment.

List of computer networking devices

Common basic networking devices:

Gateway: device sitting at a network node for interfacing with another network that uses different protocols. Works on OSI layers 4 to 7.

Router: a specialized network device that determines the next network point to which to forward a data packet toward its destination. Unlike a gateway, it cannot interface different protocols. Works on OSI layer 3.

Bridge: a device that connects multiple network segments along the data link layer. Works on OSI layer 2.

Switch: a device that allocates traffic from one network segment to certain lines (intended destination(s)) which connect the segment to another network segment. So unlike a hub a switch splits the network traffic and sends it to different destinations rather than to all systems on the network. Works on OSI layer 2.

Hub: connects multiple Ethernet segments together making them act as a single segment. When using a hub, every attached device shares the same broadcast domain and the same collision domain. Therefore, only one computer connected to the hub is able to transmit at a time. Depending on the network topology, the hub provides a basic level 1 OSI model connection among the network objects (workstations, servers, etc). It provides bandwidth which is shared among all the objects, compared to switches, which provide a dedicated connection between individual nodes. Works on OSI layer 1.

Repeater: device to amplify or regenerate digital signals received while setting them from one part of a network into another. Works on OSI layer 1.
Some hybrid network devices:

Multilayer Switch: a switch which, in addition to switching on OSI layer 2, provides functionality at higher protocol layers.

Protocol Converter: a hardware device that converts between two different types of transmissions, such as asynchronous and synchronous transmissions.
Bridge Router(Brouter): Combine router and bridge functionality and are therefore working on OSI layers 2 and 3.

Digital media receiver: Connects a computer network to a home theatre
Hardware or software components that typically sit on the connection point of different networks, e.g. between an internal network and an external network:

Proxy: computer network service which allows clients to make indirect network connections to other network services

Firewall: a piece of hardware or software put on the network to prevent some communications forbidden by the network policy

Network Address Translator: network service provide as hardware or software that converts internal to external network addresses and vice versa
Other hardware for establishing networks or dial-up connections:

Multiplexer: device that combines several electrical signals into a single signal

Network Card: a piece of computer hardware to allow the attached computer to communicate by network

Modem: device that modulates an analog "carrier" signal (such as sound), to encode digital information, and that also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information, as a computer communicating with another computer over the telephone network

ISDN terminal adapter (TA): a specialized gateway for ISDN

Line Driver: a device to increase transmission distance by amplifying the signal. Base-band networks only.

Network Device Connectivity

How to Increase Internet Connection Speed

Find out from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) what Internet connection speed your paying for. Make sure the speed your paying for is the speed programmed in their network.

Test your Internet connection speed. You can do this by going to one of these speed test websites: Speakeasy.net/speedtest or Speedtest.net. Record your results.

Compare the speeds from step one and step two. If your getting the speed your paying for go no further. If your not, go to the next step.

Disable web-browser Add-ons that can slow down your Internet connection speed. Check to see if you have multiple web browser Add-ons operating with your browser. For example, if your web browser is Internet explorer, go to Tools, select Manage Add-ons, and look at what Add-ons are enabled. Disable the ones you do not want to use.

Run anti-virus, adware, spyware, and malware scans. All of these, if found on your computer, could negatively affect your Internet connection speed.

Run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter from your System Tools menu.

Download TCP Optimizer software to optimize your computers MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) values, RWIN (Receive Window) values, and broadband related registry keys. The most popular and FREE TCP Optimizer that I found is called "SG TCP Optimizer". You can download it at CNET: http://www.download.com/SG-TCP-Optimizer/3000-2155_4-10488572.html?tag=lst-1 or at PCWORLD: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,68524-order,1-page,1/description.html.

Retest your Internet connection speed by going to one of these speed test websites: Speakeasy.net/speedtest or Speedtest.net. Record and compare these results with the results obtained from steps one and two.

Disadvantages of Computer Networks

Following are some of the major disadvantages of computer networks.

Security Issues: One of the major drawbacks of computer networks is the security issues involved. If a computer is a standalone, physical access becomes necessary for any kind of data theft. However, if a computer is on a network, a computer hacker can get unauthorized access by using different tools. In case of big organizations, various network security softwares are used to prevent the theft of any confidential and classified data.

Rapid Spread of Computer Viruses: If any computer system in a network gets affected by computer virus, there is a possible threat of other systems getting affected too. Viruses get spread on a network easily because of the interconnectivity of workstations. Such spread can be dangerous if the computers have important database which can get corrupted by the virus.

Expensive Set Up: The initial set up cost of a computer network can be high depending on the number of computers to be connected. Costly devices like routers, switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the bills of a person trying to install a computer network. He will also have to buy NICs (Network Interface Cards) for each of the workstations, in case they are not inbuilt.

Dependency on the Main File Server: In case the main File Server of a computer network breaks down, the system becomes useless. In case of big networks, the File Server should be a powerful computer, which often makes it expensive.

Computer Networking Advantages

Following are some of the advantages of computer networks.

File Sharing: The major advantage of a computer network is that is allows file sharing and remote file access. A person sitting at one workstation of a network can easily see the files present on the other workstation, provided he is authorized to do so. It saves the time which is wasted in copying a file from one system to another, by using a storage device. In addition to that, many people can access or update the information stored in a database, making it up-to-date and accurate.

Resource Sharing: Resource sharing is also an important benefit of a computer network. For example, if there are four people in a family, each having their own computer, they will require four modems (for the Internet connection) and four printers, if they want to use the resources at the same time. A computer network, on the other hand, provides a cheaper alternative by the provision of resource sharing. In this way, all the four computers can be interconnected, using a network, and just one modem and printer can efficiently provide the services to all four members. The facility of shared folders can also be availed by family members.

Increased Storage Capacity: As there is more than one computer on a network which can easily share files, the issue of storage capacity gets resolved to a great extent. A standalone computer might fall short of storage memory, but when many computers are on a network, memory of different computers can be used in such case. One can also design a storage server on the network in order to have a huge storage capacity.

Increased Cost Efficiency: There are many softwares available in the market which are costly and take time for installation. Computer networks resolve this issue as the software can be stored or installed on a system or a server and can be used by the different workstations.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

A single building or campus of few kilometers in size, LAN acts as privately-owned networks. LANs are limited to a single building or group of buildings. By using telephone lines and radio waves, one LAN can be attached to other LANs over any distance. A system of multiple connections of LANs is called a wide-area network (WAN).

Most LANs are used to connect workstations and personal computers. In a LAN, each host means individual computer has its own CPU with which it runs programs but it also able to access data and devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that many users can share data information and expensive devices like laser printers. By sending e-mail or engaging in chat session users can also make use of LAN to interact with each other.

In today's world, Local Area Networks become fundamental part of communication. LAN applications are used in hospitals, educational facilities businesses, stock exchanges and warehouses. Local area network provides reader-friendly, comprehensive coverage of LAN technologies to be used in real-world applications.

LANs are typically identified by the following properties
1)Multiple systems connected to shared medium
2)High total bandwidth
3)Low delay
4)Low error rate
5)Broadcast/Multicast capability
6)Limited geography 1-2 km
7)Limited number of stations
8)Peer relationship between stations
9)Confined to private property

LANs are distinguished from other network by three characteristics:
1)Their size
2)Their transmission technology and
3)Their topology.

LANs are limited in size which means that the worst case transmission time is restricted and known in advance. Knowing this limitation makes it possible to make use of certain kinds of designs that would not otherwise be possible. It also simplifies network management.

LANs often make use of a transmission technology including of a single cable to which all the machines are connected like the telephone company party lines used in rural areas. Traditionally LANs operates at speeds of 10 to 100 Mbps with low delay and make very few errors. Newer LANs are working at speed of up to 100 megabits/sec.

Various topologies of LANs are:
1) Bus Topology:
In a bus or linear cable network, at any instant one machine is allowed to transmit data or information. All other machines are needed to desist from sending. When two or more machines want to transmit simultaneously an arbitration mechanism is used to resolve conflicts. The arbitration mechanism used may be centralized or distributed. IEEE 802.3 known as Ethernet is a bus dependent broadcast network with decentralized control working at 10 or 100Mbps. Computers on an Ethernet can deliver data whenever they want to if two or more packets collide with each other then each computer just wait a random amount of time and tries again later.

2) Ring Topology:
A second type of topology used in broadcast system is the ring topology. In a ring topology, each bit circulates around on its own not waiting for the remaining packet to which it belongs. Each bit circulates the entire ring in the time. It uses to deliver a few bits usually before the complete packet has been delivered. Like all other broadcast system, some limitation is required for arbitrating simultaneously accesses to the ring. IEEE 802.5 known as token ring is a popular ring based LAN working at 4 and 16 Mbps.

3) Star topology:
In Star topology all devices are attached to a central hub. To install and manage Star networks are relatively easy but bottlenecks can occur because all data must pass through the hub.

4) Tree topology:
A tree topology is a combination of linear bus and star topologies. It includes groups of star-configured workstations attached to a linear bus backbone cable.

Design considerations :

1) Cabling medium :
The most costless cable is Category 5 twisted-pair cable. This cable operates with standard Ethernet at a speed of 10 Million bits per second or 10 Mbps and "fast" Ethernet works at a speed 100 Mbps and is able to speeds up to 150 Mbps with existing technology. This cable is used in most LAN designs. Fiber-optic cable delivers more data but its materials and installation are much more expensive. In building proper installation of fiber-optic cable is very difficult to achieve because the cable should not be bent during installation.

2) Wiring plan
In the building the location of wiring cabinets/closets is based on distances between computers. The maximum distance should be 10 meters between a computer and a network wiring cabinet/closet. In refrigerator-sized cabinet, cables come together. Network transmission equipments are collected can be enclosed with doors and stand in a large room or it can be located as an open rack in a small room or closet. Wiring cabinets/closets can be attached with twisted-pair cable but fiber-optic cable provides higher speed.

3) Number of network connections (plug-in points) :
Every computer requires a network connection and each connection is consists of
(1) A plug-in point in the wall of the room
(2) Wiring from this point to the wiring cabinet/closet.
While deciding for network connections short and long term technology aims need to be considered

LAN Hardware
Ethernet and Token Ring are common types of LAN hardware. Ethernet is easily designed and consists of data transfer devices which are less expensive than similar Token Ring devices. Ethernet and Token Ring’s performance are same in most situations. While it is possible to connect Ethernet and Token Ring networks in the same location, it adds to cost and complexity. It is best to maintain the data communication infrastructure’s configuration as simple as possible. Asynchronous Transfer Mode is another standard for data communication. It is more expensive than Ethernet or Token Ring but offers higher speeds and will eventually offer better integration of computer-data, digitized voice (telephone), and video.

PC to Phone Calls to India from Foreign Lands

Voice over Internet Protocol is perhaps one of the best changes that has taken place in the world and is now being able to give Indian citizens the chance to enjoy free calls due the highly relieving innovations which have been made in this particular genre of communication.



VoIP started off in the year 1973 as an experimental creation known as network voice protocol being created by talented scientists especially for improving the performance of ARPANET service providers. The time jingled on to the point of realisation of business capabilities by becoming a communication medium for the common public and for the enhancement in the features involved in making international calls and also national calls. One of the major features which is now one of the main reasons for the success of the VoIP technology is to be able to take to friends by making absolutely free calls.




The major processes that are involved in the actual process that take place when a person makes a phone call with a tool which uses this technology is quite complex and is liable to be understood mostly by Telecom engineers and persons involved in some way or other in the technical back end process that takes place when a call is being made.



However the prospect of understanding the working of this technology is not bleak due to the overlying simplicity of the basic concept behind this technology. Hence when a person makes PC to Phone calls to India, the primary event that takes place is the modification of the sounds of his voice into digital packets of information which are then sent over a network to the phone of the person to whom he is making the call too. Both of these persons have the requirements for being able to make free phone calls, as being very few in number. Hence all that the person needs to make free calls to India is an free account with a VoIP service provider and a computer with the necessary software and a modem.



The benefits that are a feature of making free calls are evident by the word 'free' itself and hence, the user is able to make calls to his friends and talk for lengthy periods of time without having to pay a single symbol of monetary worth. Therefore, the need to pay a single penny, or a cent or even a paisa is completely nullified. Another major benefit is the fantastic quality of sound that the person hears when he makes a call with another one being the basic service being available in the form of numerous offers being available by the different service providers.



The feature of being able to make free PC to phone calls is hence now quite real and hence Indians regardless of the place where they are living, are able to make calls and those too free and hence, become capable of remaining in touch with their friends and relatives living in the wonderful abode known as India.Calls to India can now be made without the need to think about international call rates and how to talk with the minimum of sentences due to this feature being available quite easily. There are quite a lot of websites of various service providers who offer the feature of making free Phone calls to India and hence, the person who wants to talk to someone who is living in India can do so without having to worry about the bill that he has to pay (which in the old days, used to be quite a large one in the case of making long phone calls and also quite considerable even if the person making the call was watchful enough to keep the small time period of the call.).

The result of advances being made for the better in the Indian economy has led to an increase in the overall living standards of the Indian people and hence, the computer is now becoming quite a routine feature in most of the households of urban centres of this fantastic country. The result is the increase in free PC Phone calls being made, due to the increase in the number of people who are learning the process of making free calls.