There are certain components that are required to keep a computer network running smoothly. Each of these elements has a different purpose and are required for the efficient functioning of the network. They form a part of the hardware and need to be properly maintained so that they do not report any glitches over time. Some of the important parts of computer network system have been mentioned below:

• Server: A server is like the nervous system of a network and is the most important component of a network. It is used to connect and distribute data over other systems that may also be present on the same network. A server is also used to store data and it can serve a variety of other purposes like sharing of printers, sharing of memory, etc. A network server can be a particular personal computer, a laptop or a standalone server that can take care of network related tasks and help to organize traffic.

• Modem: Modem stands for Modulation and Demodulation which means the process of conversion of signal in one form to another. A modem is a device that modulates a signal to encode information, and also demodulates such signal to decode the transmitted information. There are many different types of modems available in the market and vary as per their capacity and speed. Depending on the type of your network you can choose among various models of modems.

• Router: Another essential device that needs to be present in order to operate different computer systems on a network is “router”. It can be used to route data among different networks or systems. It serves the important purpose of helping the data travel further and helps ensure that it reaches its destination. In most of the cases, different computer systems are connected with routers through network cables. To have a completely wireless network, you can use WiFi Routers, that can be appropriately placed in the work area to connect several devices.

• Firewalls: Firewalls are used to allow or disallow certain type of data over the network. They can be a software firewall (installed on system) or a hardware firewall (as a separate physical device). They are important from security point of view as they restrict unwanted intrusions in the system.

We at Centex Technologies provide complete computer network designing, installation and maintenance services to our clients. For more information on improving your network’s performance and maintaining your present system, feel free to contact us at our Killeen or Dallas office. You can also call us on our Toll Free No. – 800.236.1497

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Wireless networks are extremely comfortable. Once everything is installed, you can very easily connect several devices. But, the trouble that most people face is to set up the network and ultimately hook up each device. Here are some common mistakes that are committed even by the most knowledgeable people while setting up a wireless network.

• Ignoring the manual: It is very important that you read the user manual carefully before trying to connect any device. Most of the mistakes can be avoided if you carefully read the manual.

• Using the default password: Most of the system administrators use the same default password when they set up a wireless network. It is strongly recommended that you change the password otherwise your network would be at the risk of getting hacked. Same should be done with all the devices with whom you are going to connect your wireless network. Also, your password should be a strong one. It should not contain your name, date of birth or any obvious information.

• Not turning Wi-Fi transmission on: Particularly mobile phones and laptops have special settings or buttons to turn on the Wi-Fi transmission. Obviously, if you do not turn it on, you would not be able to even locate other devices, forget about connecting to them.

• Mixing wireless standards: There are a number of wireless standards available like 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and the most recent is 802.11n. It would be best if you do not mix these standards or technologies. There are also some networks that exclude the devices that support old standards. Thus, if you are unable to connect to any device, this might be the reason.

• Integrating encryption standards: The latest devices usually support Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption. If you try to connect to a device that supports old encryption standards, i.e. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), it is not going to work. Read the manual to find which standards are supported by your device. If it is WPA, make sure you have a strong password to prevent it from being cracked.

• Not using network security: If you do not secure your wireless network properly, it would become an easy target to be hacked. Make sure you have strong passwords, turn on Windows firewall or use firewall, use encryption and keep an eye on your traffic.

• Not checking the network- Make sure you check the network from time to time to make sure that it is working properly. It is better if you detect problems initially rather than spending money thereafter.

These are the most common mistakes that you might make with a wireless network. Make sure you avoid all these in order to make the most of your networking system.

For complete networking solutions, feel free to call us at Centex Technologies at 800. 236. 1497

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With intrusion strategies becoming more sophisticated day by day, Network Security has turned into a hot topic of discussion. Long gone are the days when businesses managed to operate with an unprotected network.

Exploitation of computer networks is getting more common and it is completely critical for businesses to be able to protect themselves from serious threats that would aim to steal their information.

Network Security comprises of two basic types of securities. The first relates to the security of data information i.e. to protect the information from unauthorized access. And the second is the computer security i.e. to protect data on the computer and to thwart the hackers.

On World Wide Web or any network of a corporation, large amount of important information is exchanged on a daily basis. This information can be misused by the attackers. We need to pay attention to Internet Security for the following reasons:

• To protect the private information from the outside users on the net.
• To protect the information from undesirable editing, accidently or deliberately by the unauthorized users.
• To protect the information from being lost and allow it to be sent to its desired destination appropriately.
• To protect the message from undesirable delay in the transmission lines route so as to render it to the required destination in time, in case of emergency.

Another component of network security comprises of the computer security. Computer security intends to protect your computer system from undesirable harms stimulated due to the network. One of the major reasons for such damages is the computer viruses and spywares that can wipe off all the data from your hard disk or sometimes they could be destructive enough to cause hardware problems too. Beyond any doubt, the network must be protected from such sort of damaging softwares. The people who deliberately put such software on the network are referred to as Hackers. Below you will find the reasons regarding why we need computer security:

• We need computer security as it helps in keeping off from various viruses.
• Computer security programs help to fight against worms.
• There is a need of protection from Trojan Horses as they are enough dangerous for your computer.

We at Centex Technologies provide consultation and advanced tools to help you prevent any misuse of your personal and financial information. Contact us today at (254) 213-4740.

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As some business constantly grows, the challenge of setting up and keeping a completely functional network turns more and more complex. The progress of technology has exhibited several new devices, software packages and connection platforms that need total access to the network capabilities.

To make sure that the wireless hubs and substantive wired devices are supplied with maximal speed and accessibility, regular support is essential.

Network Service’s Importance:
Centex Technologies extend a vast range of programs meant to optimize network potential. After carrying on an analysis of the subsisting infrastructure and assessing the networking demands of the business, our IT specialists render answers that will guarantee effective performance, bettered dependability and greater convenience.

Whether this consists of an accomplished design of a fresh local network, supplying another hub, or addressing bottlenecks and redundancies, we provide complete and detailed solutions.

Different Services:
A trusted network functions as the foundation for the exchange of vital info all over the departments and varied locations. To abstain from down time, postponements and pricy repairs, network providers like Centex Technologies extend a lot of vital services that guarantee effective operation:

• Network Set-up: Accomplished design and execution of network architecture comprises of hardware infrastructure, software and cabling. Extended training is rendered including ongoing care and support.
• Monitoring: 24/7 remote surveillance supplies instantaneous alerts to network functionality issues.
• Proactive Upkeep: Troubleshooting and upkeep across the total network is done by Centex Technologies. This includes thorough diagnosis and resolving bandwidth matters as well as regular optimization of servers to maximize speed and productiveness.
• Upgrades: Software upgrades and utility installations are performed across all the platforms.
• Physical maintenance: Replacing and upgrading cabling of damaged or disused network components is necessary.
• Backup: Network services at Centex Technologies comprise of specific data backup solutions. In an event of a ruinous failure or data corruption, back up services assure the restitution of vital info.
• Threat Detection: Regular reassessments of virus, firewall and malware protection guarantees the proceeding operation of the network in a safe environment.

For those business enterprises that need network repair, upkeep or installation, Centex Technologies render superior service with predictable connected costs. Any commercial enterprise that is going through network failures, bandwidth troubles, or contemplating expansion can take advantage of the variety of comprehensive services that we provide.
Contact us today at (254) 213-4740.

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Networking allows you to share Internet data and access files and folders across systems easily. But one does not want to share his information and data with just anyone. With the help of a wireless network, your information is moving through the air medium, not physical wires, so anyone within the range can intrude your network. There are five substantive security measures you should take to procure your wireless network.

Change the default connection password:
All the Access points and routers have a default password set by the company. You will be asked for a password whenever you want to make alterations to the network settings. Hackers are aware of these default passwords and will seek them to have illegal access to your wireless device and alter your network settings. To avoid any unauthorized alterations, change the password and make it hard to guess.

Modify the default SSID:
Your wireless network devices have a default SSID (Service Set Identifier) which is set by the company. The SSID is the name of your wireless network, and it can be up to the length of 23 characters. Modify your network’s SSID to something unique, and ensure it does not refer to any networking products you own. As an extra precaution, make it a point to modify the SSID regularly.

Enable WPA Encryption:
Encryption allows security for the data that is being communicated over a wireless network. Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) and WiFi Protected Access (WPA) extend unlike degrees of security for wireless communication. WPA is addressed to be safer than WEP, because it makes use of the dynamic key encryption.

Disable SSID broadcast:
Automatically, most of the wireless networking devices are typeset to broadcast the SSID, so any person can effortlessly join the wireless network with just this info. This is advantageous for the hackers, so unless you own a public hotspot, the best idea is to disable the SSID broadcast. You certainly will believe that it is handier to broadcast your SSID so that you are able to click on it to join the network, but in addition you can configure the devices on your network to automatically connect to a specific SSID without transmitting the SSID from the router.

Enable MAC address filtering.
Some routers provide you the power to enable MAC address filtering. The MAC address is a distinct series of figures and letters allotted to every networking device. With MAC address filtering, you can determine which computers can obtain access to your network. It would be quite difficult for a hacker to find your network using a random MAC address.

To know more about Networking and computer security, please visit Centex Technologies. We can be contacted on (254) 213-4740 and (800) 236-1497 (Toll Free).

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As the name suggests, wireless network is an interconnected system of electronic devices like computer systems, printers, fax machines etc that are connected together without any wire between them. Wireless networks if set up in a certain space allow numerous devices to work together and allows various operations like sharing information, browsing internet, transferring files etc with a single wireless connection. They are very useful in office setups and in residential homes where there is more than one device that requires access to the internet. You do not need to have wires spreading across the lengths and breadths of your place when you opt for wireless networking. Neither you have to get two separate internet connections and pay two different bills for each in such a case. You can save money and use one connection from both devices.

These days, apart from personal computers, there are many other electronic devices present in an average home or office. There may be a laptop, a gaming console that is capable of being connected to the internet, a tablet PC and mobile devices. All of them can access an internet connection installed at your home/ office with the help of a device called a wireless router and a network adaptor. With the help of these two items, you can enjoy the benefit of one internet connection on any number of devices. Yes, you need to know if your device is capable of wireless networking or you may have to install a Wireless card (generally Wi-Fi card) to enhance its capabilities.

Once electronic gadgets in your house or office are connected through wireless network, you can simply do away with the hassle of handling long wires that were earlier used to connect devices. In case your office has only one printer, all the operating systems can be wirelessly connected to it and a print command given on any system will enable it to start printing anything that you require. You can even send files from one system to another once you enable the option of file sharing in your system’s settings. This makes your work much more efficient and also a lot easier.

There are many manufacturing companies from whom you can purchase a wireless router. The strength of the signal in such a router can however vary with different brands and models they offer. It is important to acquire one that is able to transmit a signal pertaining to the amount of space or area that you need to cover. If your router is not able to transmit a proper signal, this device may turn out to be completely useless to you as you struggle to connect to the internet. The decision regarding this should thus be made after due consideration.

We at Centex Technologies plan wireless networks for offices in and around Killeen, Central Texas. For more information, please feel free to call us at (254) 213 4740.

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Most companies in business today cannot hope to function without the internet or computer network as they need it to conduct their daily business in some form or the other. Most offices where there are a number of employees working together to accomplish company targets need to be equipped with a suitable network that provides a connection between all the operating systems. This helps reduce a lot of paper work and prevents wastage of time as all relevant files are stored on a common server and can be shared among all the workers. Information also becomes easy to access at an opportune moment for anyone in the company who may require it. There is no delay in trying to locate files and sourcing them if a good network is in place in your office.

It is fairly an easy task to set up a network and is far from the complicated process that many perceive it to be. You can hire the services of an expert in the field to do the task for you and it is not likely to take more than a few minutes if all the pre-requisites in terms of the hardware and software required are in place in your office. As it is required to provide access to common data only to authorized persons in office, an expert can effectively plan out the security and access levels for individual machines.

A network can be of any kind ranging from the internet, intranet to LAN or WAN. The kind of network that you want depends upon your particular needs and the functions that you want to perform through it. Your job does not end with installing a network as it is also important to hire someone to keep a check on it and indulge in regular maintenance as well as repair work from time to time so that the working of your office is not interrupted in any way.

We at Centex Technologies provide complete networking solutions for businesses. For more information on the same, please feel free to call us at: 254-213-4740

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In the age of globalization, computer network plays a crucial role. Today, most of the companies operate from multiple locations, sometimes from different countries or from different cities in the same country. In any industry, most of the work is done with the help of computers; therefore, maintaining a computer network becomes extremely important. The computers could be connected with the help of a Local Area Network or through Wide Area Network. Information is sent through this network which could range from two to thousands of computers. Networking of these computers is extremely essential for not only helping the employees to communicate, but also to send and received information. With these large networks in place, it has become extremely important to maintain a good computer network.

Maintenance of computer networks in a proper condition is extremely important for the smooth operation of the day to day operations. For any computer network, server plays a crucial role. It is called as heart of the network. Ensuring a good quality and reliable server could help you to avoid many problems related to the network. Server is also a place where the data and information are stored. Therefore, it is also important to have a back up server in place so that if the primary server fails or does not work, the employees can be asked to switch to another server. This will also ensure smooth conduct of the business without any disturbances. Always ensure that the operating systems of the computers in the network including the server receive regular updates at the right time.

Your computer network is also required to have a up-to-date antivirus system and firewall to minimize the chances of virus attacks that can be caused due to internet or through other network. As far as possible, restrict the usage of internet and removable disks like USB drives, or CD drive.

Computer networks are the backbone in today’s world. If the networks are attacked, your businesses could suffer and you may have to incur huge losses. So maintaining them in proper condition would definitely decide the profitability of your business.

We at Centex Technologies provide state-of-the-art networking solutions to our client. For more information on how to set up a secure computer network in your workplace, please feel free to contact us.

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With expansion of business, there is a need of an intelligent and fast network of computers within a workplace. For that careful planning  is required. Even when you have your network ready, you may encounter few networking issues in daily life. Here I have jotted down common networking issues encountered and methods to solve them.

Duplication of IP addresses : Every computer or a laptop on a network has a IP address. This is a unique set of numbers used to identify a particular machine. At times due to human error, two machines in the same network can get assigned the same IP address as a result “IP conflict” can occur which may hamper performance of those two machine on the network. To tackle that, all you need to do is to change IP address to make it unique within your network.

Problem in connectivity : Connectivity problem is the most common problem encountered in any network. It can occur due to number of causes ranging from loose connection to improper configuration of hubs, switches or routers. First thing to be done when you encounter connectivity problem is to check for the networking connection for your PC. If there is any disconnection, you will need to reconnect and test it. After checking the physical connections of your computer, check if common device’s (switch, hub or router) cabling is properly connected and you can view green light at the connection port. If there is still connectivity problem, then you may need to configure hub, router or switch as the case may be.

Software-related problems : Once all the physical aberrations have been taken care of, but your network is still not responding; you need to check the network for any kind of a software related problem which might range from WINS, DNS to even registry issues. You may need to alter the configuration or reinstall the software that has malfunctioned.

Slow connectivity : If you notice that your network is taking exceptionally long to function and the speed is very slow, it might be resulting from numerous network collisions. In poorly planned networks, this problem is quite frequent as the network gets flooded due to excessive simultaneous transfer of data and information. This problem can be tackled by using zipped and compressed files and folders to transfer heavy data and by using data travelers. This reduces the pressure from the networks and boosts its speed and functioning.

These are few common networking issues that are encountered in daily life. For expert networking solutions feel free to contact Centex Technologies. At Centex Technologies (Based in Killeen, Central Texas) we provide networking and system maintenance solutions to individuals, corporates and businesses.

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