Networking basics

Published: February 24, 2011

Applies To: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard

As a small business administrator, you need an efficient and effective way to share files, folders, and other resources for activities such as faxing and printing. You want email for communication among employees and with their customers, and you need a way to easily collaborate on the same document. You probably need to easily monitor and manage your network, access the Internet, and protect your network from unauthorized access. Windows SBS 2011 Standard is specifically designed to meet these needs. Before you install and use Windows SBS 2011 Standard, it is helpful for you to understand basic network concepts.

Windows SBS 2011 Standard is based on specific network concepts that are commonly used in small business networks. The following sections detail these concepts:

• Peer-to-peer vs. server-based networks

• Internet connections

• Domain names

• Firewalls

• Email

• Certificates

• Virtual private networks

• Network addressing