Introduction
In today's world, where data and communication are crucial in every second, computer networks serve as the backbone of modern systems. A computer network is the connection of two or more computers and/or other devices such as printers, servers, and wireless equipment, enabling them to share data, resources, and services.
What is Computer Network?
A network is a group of inter-connected computers to share
resources, exchange files or allow communication.
A computer Network is a system in which, two or more
computers are connected using cable or wireless technology to sending and
receiving data for the purpose of communication.
In the computer network; we share our resources and these
resources can be in the form of hardware and software.
In hardware Sharing, Users can share devices such as:- Printers,
Scanners, CD-ROM, Hard Drives, etc.
In software Sharing, User can share any type of files, application and software.
Benefits of Computer Network
1. File Sharing
2. Hardware Sharing
3. Application Sharing
4. User Communication
5. Network Gaming
Types of Computer Network
1. PAN
2. LAN
3. MAN
4. WAN
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A personal Area Network (PAN) is smallest network, which is
very personal to a user.
This may include Bluetooth enabled devices or infra-red
enabled devices.
Personal Area Network has connectivity range up to 10
meters.
Personal Area Network may include wireless computer keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth enabled headphones, wireless printers and TV remotes.
Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is a local network.
A Local Area Network is a privately owned computer network
covering a small networks geographical area (small physical areas), like a
home, office, or building e.g. a school network.
A LAN is used to connect the computers and other network
devices so that the devices can communicate with each other to share the
resources.
They are widely used in business organization, factories,
colleges, university, and industry to sharing the resources such as: - files or
hardware devices etc.
IEEE developed specification for LANs.
Data transfer speeds over a local area network can reach up to 10 Mbps (such as for an Ethernet network) and 1 Gbps (as with FDDI or Gigabit Ethernet).
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
MANs network is larger than LAN and can cover a city and its
surrounding areas.
Generally, MANs can be create by interconnecting two LANs.
MANs is made up the combination of two or more than two LANs
Geographical area cover by MAN is larger than LAN network
but smaller than WAN (Wide Area Networks) networks.
These networks deliver fast and efficient communication by using
a high-speed carrier e.g. Fibre optic cables.
The best-known example of MAN is a cable television networks
available in whole city.
A MAN can be created as a single network such as cable Tv network, covering the entire city or a group of several local area networks (LANs).
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunication network.
WAN is used for communication between devices of a large
geographical area such as:- countries or continent and uses common carriers
like:- satellite system, telephone line, etc.
A WAN can contain multiple smaller networks, such as LANs or
Mans.
The internet is the largest WAN, spanning the Earth.
WANs are commonly connected either through the internet or
special arrangements made with phone companies or other service providers.
The speed of WAN network varies depends on the cost of the companies.
Advantage of Networking
Networking in computers brings efficiency, economy, and
effectiveness in an organization.
1. Efficient use of storage media
It is better
to store a shareable application data on a network drive than to store a copy
of the application on each user’s storage device.
2. Preserving Information
It is
difficult to maintain regular backups on a number of stand-alone computers.
3. Reduction in Hardware Costs
In a network,
the hardware devices that are not used very often, like modems, printers,
scanners, CD-writers etc., can be shared.
4. Efficiency
In a network,
the deletion, modification or upgradation of the software/data is to be done at
a single point only.
5. Redundancy
A network
reduces the need for hard copies of all documents.
6. Quickest Document Delivery
Networking provides a facility to instantly deliver soft copies from one computer to the other computers throughout the world.
Networking Components
To establish
wired networking in a group of computers, we require the additional components
that are as follows:
1. Network Card
A network
card is used to physically attach a computer to a network, so that it can
participate in network communication.
2. Networking Cable
Modern
Ethernet networks use twisted pair cable containing eight.
3. Modem
A modem
enables you to connect your computer to the available internet connection over
the existing telephone lines.
4. Hubs and Switches
Network cards are used to send and receive data being transmitted over Ethernet cables.
Networking Architecture
Network
architecture is an overall design of a computer network that describes how a
computer network is configured and what strategies are being used. Computer
networks mainly are of two types, which are as follows:
1. Client-Server Network
2. Peer-to Peer Network
Client-Server Network
It is a
network, where several computers called clients or workstations are connected
to the main computer called the server.
A server is a
computer that provides services to clients and controls access to hardware,
software, and other resources.
Clients are the computers, which request services, like data retrieval, storage, etc., from the server.
Peer-to Peer Network
Peer-to Peer
is a network where a few computers having equal capacity and capabilities are
connected together to use the resources available on the network.
In
Peer-to-Peer network, there is no central server instead each computer can act
as a server as well as a client.
Network Topologies
Network
topology refers to the layout in which various components of a network, like
nodes, links, peripherals, etc. Are connected and communicate with each other.
Topology can
be either physical or logical.
Physical
Topology is the physical layout of nodes, workstations and cables in the
network, whereas logical topology is the way information flows between
different components.
Types of Network Topologies
1. Point-To-Point
Point-To-Point
topology is the simplest form of network structure in which two nodes are
directly connected to each other.
2. Bus Topology
This topology
uses a single communication line or one main cable to which all nodes are
directly connected.
3. Star Topology
In star
topology, each device is connected to a central computer using a point-to point
connection.
4. Ring Topology
In ring,
topology, all the nodes in the network are connected in a circular manner.
5. Tree Topology
Tree topology
is one of the most common network setups that consists of a group of
star-figured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.
6. Mesh Topology
In mesh network topology, each node is connected to every other node in the network.
Conclusion
Computer networks have become the backbone of modern communication and collaboration systems. By connecting various devices such as computers, servers, and wireless equipment, networks facilitate the sharing of data, resources, and services, thereby enhancing performance and efficiency.
0 Comments