Network and Communication
A network is a set of devices (often referred to as nodes) connected by communication links. Or a network is simply two or more computers that are linked together. A node can be a computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending and/or receiving data generated by other nodes on the network.
Benefits of a Network:
- Information sharing –
Authorized users can use other computers on the network to access and share information and data. This could include special group projects, databases, etc. - Hardware sharing –
One device connected to a network, such as a printer or a scanner, can be shared by many users. - Software sharing –
Instead of purchasing and installing a software program on each computer, it can be installed on the server. All of the users can then access the program from a single location. - Collaborative environment –
Users can work together on group projects by combining the power and capabilities of diverse equipment.
Network Criteria:
A network must meet the following network criteria:
- Performance –
It measured by transit time and response time[also depends on users, medium, hardware, software. - Reliability –
It measured by the frequency of failure. - Security –
It protecting data from unauthorized access.
Risks of network computing:
The security of a computer network is challenged every day by:
- Equipment malfunctions
- System failures
- Computer hackers
- Virus attacks
Note:
Equipment malfunctions and system failures may be caused by natural disasters such as floods, storms, or fires, and electrical disturbances
Categories of Networks:
It is categorized into three types: LAN, MAN, WAN. Into which categories of network falls is determined by its size, its ownership, the distance it covers, and its physical architecture.
- LAN:
It is usually privately owned and links the devices in a single office, building, or campus. Its size is limited to a few kilometres. It is designed to allow resources (h/w, s/w or data) to be shared between personal computers or workstations. In general, a given LAN will use only one type of transmission medium. The most common LAN topologies are bus, ring, and star. - MAN:
It is designed to extend over an entire city. A company can use MAN to connect the LANs in all its offices throughout a city. Maybe wholly owned and operated by a private company or it may be service provided by a public company (local telephone company). - WAN:
It provides long-distance transmission of data over a country, a continent, or even the world wide. Maybe wholly owned and operated by a single company is referred to as an enterprise network.
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