# How does the Network work? # Understanding Network Topology ## How Does a Modern Network Work? Whether it's a home, office, farm, hotel or large estate, most networks follow the same basic structure. Think of your network like a water system: - The internet is the water supply. - The router is the main stopcock. - Switches are the pipework. - Wireless access points are taps around the building. - Devices are the people using the water. Each component has a specific role. --- ## A Typical Network Layout ```text Internet │ ▼ Modem / ONT │ ▼ Router / Firewall │ ▼ Network Switch │ ┌──┼───────────┬─────────────┐ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ Wi-Fi AP Camera Smart TV Printer Computer ``` --- ## 1. Internet Connection The internet connection enters the property through a service provided by: - Openreach - CityFibre - Virgin Media - Starlink - Mobile Broadband This is simply the connection between your property and the outside world. --- ## 2. Modem or ONT The modem or ONT converts the provider's signal into a standard network connection. Examples: - Openreach Fibre → ONT - Virgin Media → Cable Modem - Starlink → Starlink Router/Adapter The ONT does **not** manage your network. Its job is simply to hand over the internet connection. Think of it as the water meter outside your house. --- ## 3. Router / Firewall The router is the brains of the network. Its responsibilities include: ✓ Connecting your network to the internet ✓ Providing security and firewall protection ✓ Managing IP addresses ✓ Controlling traffic between devices ✓ Managing VLANs and network segregation Without a router, devices cannot communicate with the internet. Examples: - UniFi Dream Machine - DrayTek Router - Firewalla - pfSense - ISP Router Think of the router as the receptionist controlling who enters and leaves the building. --- ## 4. Network Switch A switch expands the number of available network connections. For example: A router may have 4 ports. A switch may provide: - 8 ports - 16 ports - 24 ports - 48 ports Switches allow multiple devices to communicate simultaneously. Typical devices connected to switches: - Computers - Cameras - Wi-Fi Access Points - Printers - Smart TVs - Door Access Systems Think of the switch as a distribution hub. --- ## 5. Wireless Access Points Access Points provide wireless coverage. Many people mistakenly call these "routers". A Wi-Fi Access Point: ✓ Provides wireless coverage ✓ Connects wireless devices to the network A Wi-Fi Access Point does **not**: ✗ Provide internet by itself ✗ Manage security ✗ Perform routing Examples: - UniFi U7 Pro - UniFi U7 Outdoor - UniFi U6 Mesh - Aruba Access Points - Cisco Access Points Think of access points as Wi-Fi transmitters. --- ## 6. End Devices These are the devices that actually use the network. Examples: - Phones - Tablets - Laptops - Smart TVs - CCTV Cameras - Printers - Gate Controllers - Smart Home Systems Each device receives an IP address from the router and communicates through the switch and access points. --- ## Example: Viewing a Camera on Your Phone When viewing a security camera: ```text Phone │ Wi-Fi Access Point │ Network Switch │ Network Video Recorder ``` The traffic never needs to leave your property. The router is not heavily involved because everything is local. --- ## Example: Watching Netflix ```text Netflix │ Internet │ ONT │ Router │ Switch │ Wi-Fi Access Point │ TV ``` The router manages the connection between your property and Netflix. --- ## What About Large Properties? Modern estates often use multiple switches and access points. ```text Internet │ Router │ Core Switch ┌──┼───────┬─────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ AP Switch CCTV Switch Gate Switch │ │ │ APs Cameras Access Control ``` This is known as a hierarchical network design. Benefits: ✓ Better performance ✓ Easier troubleshooting ✓ Greater reliability ✓ Easier expansion --- ## The Automated Integrations Approach For reliability and future growth, we typically design networks using: 1. ISP Connection / ONT 2. Enterprise Router (UniFi Dream Machine) 3. Core Managed Switch 4. Dedicated PoE Switching 5. Multiple Access Points 6. Structured Cabling 7. CCTV & Access Control Integration This ensures every device has a clear path through the network while maintaining security, performance and reliability. --- ## In Simple Terms A modern network usually follows this path: ```text Internet │ Modem / ONT │ Router │ Switch │ Wi-Fi Access Point │ Device ``` Each component performs a different job, and together they create a fast, secure and reliable network for all devices within the property.