Networking Fundamentals
Computer network
A computer network is a set of computers sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes. The computers use common communication protocols over digital interconnections to communicate with each other.
Types of network
Personal Area Network (PAN)
The smallest and most basic type of network, a PAN is made up of a wireless modem, a computer or two, phones, printers, tablets, etc., and revolves around one person in one building. These types of networks are typically found in small offices or residences, and are managed by one person or organization from a single device.
A local area network (LAN)
Is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (also known as WAN), is a large network of information that is not tied to a single location. WANs can facilitate communication, the sharing of information and much more between devices from around the world through a WAN provider.
Advantages of computer networking
- File sharing - you can easily share data between different users, or access it remotely if you keep it on other connected devices.
- Resource sharing - using network-connected peripheral devices like printers, scanners and copiers, or sharing software between multiple users, saves money.
- Sharing a single internet connection - it is cost-efficient and can help protect your systems if you properly secure the network.
- Increasing storage capacity - you can access files and multimedia, such as images and music, which you store remotely on other machines or network-attached storage devices.
Disadvantages Of Computer Networks
Initial cost: Although the running cost of network is lower than that of the individual computers, but the initial cost of setting up a network is higher.
Maintenance and Administration: If the network grows too large, various issues may crop up in the day-to-day operation of the computer network. To work efficiently and optimally, it requires high technical skills and know-how of its operations and administration
Viruses: Unless special care is taken by using anti-virus programs, a virus infection in one computer may spread to all the computers on the network.
PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) ARCHITECTURE:
Networks in which all computers have an equal status are called peer to peer networks. Generally in such a network each terminal has an equally competent CPU.
CLIENT-SERVER ARCHITECTURE:
Networks in which certain computers have special dedicated tasks, providing services to other computers (in the network) are called client server networks. The computer(s) which provide services are called servers and the ones that use these services are called clients.
Switch: A switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices on a computer network. A Switch contains more advanced features than Hub. The Switch contains the updated table that decides where the data is transmitted or not.
Router: A router is a hardware device which is used to connect a LAN with an internet connection. It is used to receive, analyze and forward the incoming packets to another network.
Modem: A modem is a hardware device that allows the computer to connect to the internet over the existing telephone line. A modem is not integrated with the motherboard rather than it is installed on the PCI slot found on the motherboard.
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