Computer Networking
A computer
network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each
other to share information and resources.
A computer
network is a group of two or more interconnected computer systems. We can
establish a network connection using either cable or wireless media. Every
network involves hardware and software that connects computers and tools.
Characteristics of a Computer Network
1. Share
resources from one computer to another.
2. Create
files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other
computer(s) connected over the network.
3. Connect
a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let
other computers of the network use the machines available over the network.
Following is the list of hardware's required to set
up a computer network.
1. Network
Cables
2. Distributors
3. Routers
4. Internal
Network Cards
5. External
Network Cards
1. Network Cables
Network
cables are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable is Category
5 cable RJ-45.
45.
2. Distributors
A computer can be connected to another
one via a serial port but if we need to connect many computers to produce a
network, this serial connection will not work.
The solution is to use a central body to
which other computers, printers, scanners, etc. can be connected and then this
body will manage or distribute network traffic.
3. Router
A router is a type of device which acts
as the central point among computers and other devices that are a part of the
network. It is equipped with holes called ports. Computers and other devices
are connected to a router using network cables. Now-a-days router comes in
wireless modes using which computers can be connected without any physical
cable.
4. Network Card
Network card is a necessary component of
a computer without which a computer cannot be connected over a network. It is
also known as the network adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC). Most branded
computers have network card pre-installed. Network cards are of two types:
Internal and External Network Cards.
5. Internal Network Cards
Motherboard has a slot for internal
network card where it is to be inserted. Internal network cards are of two
types in which the first type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
connection, while the second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA).
Network cables are required to provide network access.
6. External Network
Cards
External network cards are of two types:
Wireless and USB based. Wireless network card needs to be inserted into the
motherboard, however no network cable is required to connect to the network.
7. Universal Serial Bus (USB)
USB card is easy to use and connects via
USB port. Computers automatically detect USB card and can install the drivers
required to support the USB network card automatically.
Advantages of a Computer Network
1. Helps you
to connect with multiple computers together to send and receive information
when accessing the network.
2. Helps you
to share printers, scanners, and email.
3. Helps you
to share information at very fast speed.
4. Electronic
communication is more efficient and less expensive than without the network.
Disadvantages
of using Computer Networks.
1. Investment
for hardware and software can be costly for initial set-up.
2. If you
don't take proper security precautions like file encryption, firewalls then
your data will be at risk.
3. Some
components of the network design may not last for many years, and it will
become useless or malfunction and need to be replaced.
4. Requires
time for constant administration.
5. Frequent
server failure and issues of regular cable faults.
Computer Network Components
Here
are essential computer network components:
1. Switches
Switches
work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other hardware
devices to a network in a campus or a building.
It
allows devices on your network to communicate with each other, as well as with
other networks. It helps you to share resources and reduce the costing of any
organization.
2.
Routers
Routers
help you to connect with multiple networks. It enables you to share a single
internet connection with multiple devices and saves money. This networking
component acts as a dispatcher, which allows you to analyze data sent across a
network. It automatically selects the best route for data to travel and send it
on its way.
3. Servers:
Servers
are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating
system. Servers allow access to network resources to all the users of the
network.
4. Clients:
Clients
are computer devices which access and uses the network as well as shares
network resources. They are also users of the network, as they can send and
receive requests from the server.
5. Transmission
Media:
Transmission
media is a carrier used to interconnect computers in a network, such as coaxial
cable, twisted-pair wire, and optical fiber cable. It is also known as links,
channels, or lines.
6. Access
points
Access
points allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. A
wireless network allows you to bring new devices and provides flexible support
to mobile users.
7. Shared
Data:
Shared
data are data which is shared between the clients such as data files, printer
access programs, and email.
8. Network
Interface Card:
Network
Interface card sends, receives data, and controls data flow between the
computer and the network.
9. Local
Operating System:
A
local OS which helps personal computers to access files, print to a local
printer and uses one or more disk and CD drives which are located on the
computer.
10.
Network Operating System:
The
network operating system is a program which runs on computers and servers. It
allows the computers to communicate via network.
11.
Protocol:
A
protocol is the set of defined rules that allows two entities to communicate
across the network. Some standard protocols used for this purpose are IP, TCP,
UDP, FTP, etc.
12.
Hub:
Hub
is a device that splits network connection into multiple computers. It acts a
distribution centre so whenever a computer requests any information from a
computer or from the network it sends the request to the hub through a cable.
The hub will receive the request and transmit it to the entire network.
13.
LAN Cable:
Local
Area Network (LAN) cable is also called as Ethernet or data cable. It is used
for connecting a device to the internet.
14.
OSI:
OSI
stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It is a reference model which allows
you to specify standards for communications.
No comments:
Post a Comment