What is a computer network ?
A computer network is a set of computers that are connected to each other, to share information, resources and services.
What is a computer network
A computer network , is a set of equipment that can be made up of computers and devices , which are connected by means of signals, cables, waves or other transport methods of data, so that in this way you can perform data sharing processes.
As for each of the computers that are connected to the network, they are assigned a node so that they can be identified as part of the set.
Characteristics of a computer network
There are 5 basic features:
- Speed - It is the speed with which upload and download data is transferred between the network components. The unit of measure is always: Data per second, either 50 kb / s or 500 kb / s, to give some examples.
- Security - This feature is one of the most important when building a computer network. This is always the problem of networks alambicas (pissed off) and wireless . It is well known that wireless networks are easier to intercept than those made by wiring but in turn it has several advantages.
- Reliability - This feature refers to the probability that an error or breakdown is generated in the network and therefore stops working. This depends to a large extent on the importance of the equipment that is failing and without doubt of the network topology that we are using. In some cases there is what is commonly called redundant hardware that allows a fault tolerance in one of its components.
- Scalability - This characteristic comes from the hand of a logical concept: «If we add different components within an already armed network, its speed will decrease and there will be a greater chance of errors». This is why it is important when building a network to think about how we should expand it correctly in the future by adding hardware and software or new servers to achieve an improvement in performance.
- Availability - In other words it refers to how long that network will be active. This is going to depend a lot on the needs of the network, for example, a company that works every day from Monday to Friday will surely want this network not available on weekends since it is not used and thus also prevents complications .
Advantages and disadvantages of a computer network
Advantage:
- A user connected to a network can share different parts of their equipment such as processors, printers, fax, modems and hard disk
- It allows to exchange a large amount and variety of data between network users.
- It allows faster and more efficient communication between users.
- Download the need to use extra storage devices.
- Allows shared access to information, data or programs.
Disadvantages:
- Less security in computers, having an infection in common in one of them could be a catastrophe for the rest.
- Accessing information throughout a network is slower than accessing from the computer itself.
- Failure to present a server or device that several users have access prevents access to all who depended on it.
- It is usually quite expensive to build a network with efficient security and speed standards.
Applications of a computer network
There are many uses of computer networks, however there is something they all have in common and they are created to access the same information with greater security. Among the best known applications are:
- E-Commerce (electronic commerce)
- ATMs
- Sales business
- Universities with distance or remote education
- Search engines or browsers
What type of data is shared in a computer network?
- Information - Files in general.
- Resources - Disks, programs, printers, etc.
- Services - Access to databases, email, games, chat, internet, etc.
Classification of a computer network
PAN or personal area network
It is the type of network that is used to enable communication between different devices that are close to a person. In relation to the scope of this network, it is a few meters.
Due to its characteristics it is possible to connect to USB and FireWire ports of the computer. There is also the possibility of using technologies such as IrDa and Bluetooth.
LAN or local area network
In this case, it is a computer network in which there is a limitation in the area such as a room, a ship or a building. There may also be large LAN networks, in which in most cases there are divisions into smaller logical segments that are referred to as workgroups .
MAN or metropolitan area network
It is a type of computer network in which there is a connection between two or more local networks, but they are not going to extend beyond the limits assigned to a city.
WAN or world area network
It is a kind of network where a wide geographic area is covered. To a large extent, its structure is used in telephone transmission facilities.
Basic components of a computer network
In basic terms, three elements are needed: hardware, software and protocols .
software
- Network operating system - It is the one that allows the interconnection between computers and so that services and resources can be accessed.
- Application software - Each of the elements you are using to others to use their specific programs and files. It is software that can be as extensive as required.
Hardware
Since it is necessary to get a link between computers and equipment, it is necessary to intervene a network card , through which data packets are sent and received from and to other computers.
In relation to the network adapter , its function is to convert the electrical signals that are traveling by cable or radio waves, into a signal that can then be interpreted by the computer. These types of adapters are PCI cards , which are connected in the expansion slots of the computer.
End user devices in a computer network
- Personal computers - The typical workstation that is part of a network. In other words, a common computer, but one that is interconnected with the network.
- Terminal - There are many networks that make use of this type of equipment, for data entry. In other words, they are only used to display or enter data.
- Home electronics - Network cards have recently been integrated into household electronics so that they are part of a computer network and can be used remotely from other devices.
- Printers - It is very common in networks that are interconnected to facilitate printing jobs in offices or spaces that require this element.