NETWORKING CONCEPTS

What is Networking ?

In the world of computers,  networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software.

Advantages of Networking

Easy Communication and Speed It is very easy to communicate through a network. People can

communicate efficiently using a network with a group of people.  Ability to Share Files, Data and Information This is one of the major advantages of networking computers.

People can find and share information and data because of networking

Speed Sharing and transferring files within networks is very rapid,

depending on the type of network. This will save time while maintaining the integrity of files.

 Security Sensitive files and programs on a network can be password

protected. Then those files can only be accessed by the authorized users.

Disadvantages of Networking

Breakdowns and Possible Loss of Resources One major disadvantage of networking is the

breakdown of the whole network due to an issue of the server. 

Expensive to Build Building a network is a serious business in many

occasions, especially for large scale organizations. Cables and other hardware are very pricey to buy and replace.

Security Threats Security threats are always problems with large

networks. There are hackers who are trying to steal valuable data of large companies for their own benefit.

AREA NETWORKS

Networks can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans. 

TYPES OF NETWORKS

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

A Local area network is a network that connects computers & device in a limited geographical area such as a home, school computer laboratory, office building.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)

A Metropolitan area network is a high speed network that connects local area networks in a metropolitan area such as city or town & handles bulk of communication activity across the region.

A MAN typically includes one or more LAN but covers smaller geographic area than a WAN.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)

A Wide area network is a network that covers large geographical area such as country or the world.

A WAN can be one large network or can consist of two or more LAN’s connected together.

The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.

Differentiate Between the Types of Computer Networks

Different LAN MAN WAN

Cost Low optic High Higher

Network Size Small Larger Largest

Speed Fastest Slower Slowest

Transmission Media

Twisted-pair Twisted-pairFiber-optic

cables

Fiber-opticRadio wave

Satellite

Number of Computers

Smallest Large Largest

Network DesignComputer networks also differ in their design. The two basic forms of network design are called client/server and peer to peer. Client-server networks feature centralized server computers that store email, Web pages, files and or applications. On a peer-to-peer network, conversely, all computers tend to support the same functions. Client-server networks are much more common in business and peer-to-peer networks much more common in homes.

The Differences Between Client/Server & Peer to Peer Network

CLIENT/SERVER PEER TO PEERServer has to control ability while client’s doesn’t.

Higher cabling cost.

It is used in small & large networks.

Easy to manage.

One powerful computer act as server.Install software only in the server while the clients share the software.

All computers have equal ability.

Cheaper cabling cost.

Normally used in small networks with less than 10 computers.

Hard to manage.

No server is needed.

Install software to every computer.

Components of Network

WIRED NETWORKING

Network Adapters These adapters (also called

network interface cards, or NICs) connect computers to a network so that they can communicate. A network adapter can be connected to the USB or Ethernet port on your computer or installed inside your computer in an available Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion slot. Eg:- Ethernet Network Card is the most commonly used network card.

Components of Network

WIRED NETWORKING Networking Cable Networking cables are

used to connect one network device to other network devices or to connect two or more computers to share printer, scanner 

etc. Eg:- RJ-45 connector

Components of Network WIRED NETWORKING

Hubs & Switches Hubs and switches

connect two or more computers to an Ethernet network. A switch costs a little more than a hub, but it's faster.

Components of Network

Modem Computers use modems

to send and receive information over telephone or cable lines. You will need a modem if you want to connect to the Internet. Some cable providers supply a cable modem—either free or for purchase—when you order cable Internet service. 

WIRED NETWORKING

Components of Network

WIRELESS NETWORKING

Wireless Network Cards

These are used instead of the normal Network cards which are being used in the wired networks.

Components of Network WIRELESS NETWORKING

Access Points & Routers Routers connect computers and

networks to each other (for example, a router can connect your home network to the Internet). Routers also enables us to share a single Internet connection among several computers. Routers can be wired or wireless. We don't need to use a router for a wired network but we recommend it if you want to share an Internet connection. If we want to share an Internet connection over a wireless network, we will need a wireless router. Access points allow computers and devices to connect to a wireless network.

Network Security Network security consists of

the provisions and policies adopted by a network administrator to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources. Network security involves the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users choose or are assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information that allows them access to information and programs within their authority.

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