WebJunction

Example of a Library Network

The numbers on the library network example correspond to the list of network connections and troubleshooting questions on the other side of this handout.

*Items on the diagram listed as optional may or may not be on your network.

Network Connections

Because there are a number of possible connections within a network, you should familiarize yourself with the location of all of the connections in your network. If you are having connectivity problems, the first thing you should do is check the physical connections. Many network problems are caused by disconnected hardware.

For All Hardware:

• Are all network cables plugged in completely? Unplug the network cables and plug them back in until you hear a click.

• Is there power to the equipment? Make sure no equipment is plugged into a switched power outlet. That is, the power does not go on and off with the flip of a wall switch.

1. Switch

The switch is the central piece of equipment that all of your networked components are plugged into.

• Are there link lights for each cable that is plugged into the switch? If no link lights appear, check the power supply. If one link light is out, check the connection of that cable. You can also plug the cable into an empty outlet to see if another outlet lights up. Refer to the Gates Library Computer: An Easy Guide for more information about the link lights on the switch.

2. Library Computer

The computer(s) in your network will either be plugged into a wall jack or directly into the switch.

• Is the light lit on the network card on the back of the computer case?

• Does the computer have the correct IP address assigned to it?

3. Printer

The printer in your network will either be plugged into a wall jack or directly into the switch.

• Is the light lit on the network card on the printer?

• Are there any error messages on the printer's display screen?

4. Router

The router connects your network to another network (for example, the Internet).

• Are the appropriate lights lit? (Refer to the router documentation.)

5. Content Server

The content server is an optional piece of equipment that has the capability to share software and files, manage printing, and host Web sites.

• Is the Content Server turned on?

• Is the light lit on the network card on the back of the computer case?

6. Proxy Server

A proxy server acts as the Web server for all of the computers on your network. A proxy server has two network cards.

• Is the Proxy Server turned on?

• Are the lights lit on the network cards?

7. DSL/Cable Modem

• Are the appropriate lights lit? (Refer to the modem documentation.)