A network is analogous to an interconnected web of lines, facilitating communication across the world within seconds. It's a system where computers are linked by transmission channels to communicate with each other.Network:
A group of computer units connected through communication channels, similar to telephone networks.
Concept of Computer Network:
A computer network is a system with distributed hardware, software, and data resources spanning remote areas. Data banks can be either centralized or distributed. Centralized data banks can be accessed by multiple users through remote terminals.
Varieties of Networks:
There are three main types of networks:
1. Local Area Networks (LAN)
2. Wide Area Networks (WAN)
3. Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
Local Area Networks (LAN):
LANs link computers and devices within a limited geographical area, typically within a few kilometers from a central server.
Wide Area Networks (WAN):
WANs connect multiple organizations at a national or international level. Examples include NICNET and INFLIBNET.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN):
MANs interconnect metropolitan cities within a country.
Types of Data Networks:
1. Voice Data Network: Transmits voice data.
2. Digital Data Network: Carries textual, numerical, and other forms of data in digital format.
3. Video Data Network: Transmits information in video format.
Components of a Network:
A LAN comprises two sets of components: hardware and software.
Hardware of Network:
1. Workstations
2. Cables
3. Network Interface Card (NIC)
4. Server
5. Hub
6. Bridge
7. Gateway
8. Repeater
let's go through each component of the network hardware and explain them with examples:
1. Workstations:
Workstations are individual computers connected to the network that users interact with. These computers can be desktops, laptops, or other devices. For example, in an office network, each employee's desktop computer or laptop is a workstation. These workstations access shared resources like files, printers, and internet connections through the network.
2. Cables:
Cables are used to physically connect different network components. Examples include Ethernet cables (like Cat5e or Cat6) used for wired connections and fiber optic cables for high-speed data transmission over long distances. In a university network, Ethernet cables connect computers in computer labs to the central server room.
3. Network Interface Card (NIC):
A Network Interface Card, or NIC, is a hardware component that allows computers to connect to a network. It can be integrated into the motherboard or added as an expansion card. For instance, when you plug an Ethernet cable into your computer to connect to the internet, you're using the NIC.
4. Server:
A server is a powerful computer that provides services, resources, or data to other computers (clients) on the network. For example, an email server stores and manages email messages for all users in an organization.
5. Hub:
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple computers in a network. However, hubs are now less common due to their limitations. They broadcast data to all connected devices, leading to network congestion. An example could be a small home network where a hub connects a few devices.
6. Bridge:
A bridge connects two network segments and filters traffic between them. It operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. An example could be using a wireless bridge to connect two separate buildings in a campus network.
7. Gateway:
A gateway is a device that connects two different networks, translating protocols if necessary. A router often acts as a gateway. For instance, in a home network, a router connects the local network to the internet, acting as a gateway between the two.
8. Repeater:
A repeater is used to extend the reach of a network by amplifying or regenerating signals. It's often used in large networks to counter signal degradation over long distances. In a large warehouse, a repeater can be placed to ensure Wi-Fi coverage across the entire area.
Each of these hardware components plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a functional computer network, enabling devices to communicate and share resources effectively.
Software of Network:
1. Device Drivers
2. Network Operating System (NOS)
3. Network Server Software
let's delve into each of the network software components and explain them with examples:
1. Device Drivers:
Device drivers are software programs that enable communication between the computer's operating system and hardware devices. They allow the operating system to control and interact with hardware components effectively. For instance, when you connect a printer to your computer, you need the appropriate printer driver to ensure that the operating system can send print commands to the printer correctly.
2. Network Operating System (NOS):
A Network Operating System (NOS) is software that manages and controls network resources, services, and operations. It provides functionalities such as file sharing, user authentication, data security, and network management. Examples of NOS include Microsoft Windows Server, Linux with network services enabled, and Novell NetWare. In a business environment, a NOS like Windows Server manages user accounts, permissions, and shared resources across the organization's network.
3. Network Server Software:
Network server software refers to specialized applications running on servers that provide specific services to clients on the network. Examples of network server software include:
- Web Server Software: Software like Apache or Microsoft IIS that serves web pages to clients over the internet or local network.
- Email Server Software: Programs like Microsoft Exchange or Postfix that handle email communication, storing and forwarding messages to the intended recipients.
-File Server Software: Software that facilitates sharing and storage of files across the network. Windows Server includes file sharing capabilities, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices often have their own file server software.
These software components play a crucial role in ensuring that the network operates smoothly, resources are efficiently managed, and services are accessible to all devices connected to the network.
A computer network is a sophisticated system that connects computers and devices across varying geographical scales, enabling efficient communication and data sharing. Different types of data networks cater to different forms of information transmission. The network's hardware and software components work in harmony to facilitate this seamless connectivity.
1. Voice Data Network: Transmits voice data.
2. Digital Data Network: Carries textual, numerical, and other forms of data in digital format.
3. Video Data Network: Transmits information in video format.
Components of a Network:
A LAN comprises two sets of components: hardware and software.
Hardware of Network:
1. Workstations
2. Cables
3. Network Interface Card (NIC)
4. Server
5. Hub
6. Bridge
7. Gateway
8. Repeater
let's go through each component of the network hardware and explain them with examples:
1. Workstations:
Workstations are individual computers connected to the network that users interact with. These computers can be desktops, laptops, or other devices. For example, in an office network, each employee's desktop computer or laptop is a workstation. These workstations access shared resources like files, printers, and internet connections through the network.
2. Cables:
Cables are used to physically connect different network components. Examples include Ethernet cables (like Cat5e or Cat6) used for wired connections and fiber optic cables for high-speed data transmission over long distances. In a university network, Ethernet cables connect computers in computer labs to the central server room.
3. Network Interface Card (NIC):
A Network Interface Card, or NIC, is a hardware component that allows computers to connect to a network. It can be integrated into the motherboard or added as an expansion card. For instance, when you plug an Ethernet cable into your computer to connect to the internet, you're using the NIC.
4. Server:
A server is a powerful computer that provides services, resources, or data to other computers (clients) on the network. For example, an email server stores and manages email messages for all users in an organization.
5. Hub:
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple computers in a network. However, hubs are now less common due to their limitations. They broadcast data to all connected devices, leading to network congestion. An example could be a small home network where a hub connects a few devices.
6. Bridge:
A bridge connects two network segments and filters traffic between them. It operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. An example could be using a wireless bridge to connect two separate buildings in a campus network.
7. Gateway:
A gateway is a device that connects two different networks, translating protocols if necessary. A router often acts as a gateway. For instance, in a home network, a router connects the local network to the internet, acting as a gateway between the two.
8. Repeater:
A repeater is used to extend the reach of a network by amplifying or regenerating signals. It's often used in large networks to counter signal degradation over long distances. In a large warehouse, a repeater can be placed to ensure Wi-Fi coverage across the entire area.
Each of these hardware components plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a functional computer network, enabling devices to communicate and share resources effectively.
Software of Network:
1. Device Drivers
2. Network Operating System (NOS)
3. Network Server Software
let's delve into each of the network software components and explain them with examples:
1. Device Drivers:
Device drivers are software programs that enable communication between the computer's operating system and hardware devices. They allow the operating system to control and interact with hardware components effectively. For instance, when you connect a printer to your computer, you need the appropriate printer driver to ensure that the operating system can send print commands to the printer correctly.
2. Network Operating System (NOS):
A Network Operating System (NOS) is software that manages and controls network resources, services, and operations. It provides functionalities such as file sharing, user authentication, data security, and network management. Examples of NOS include Microsoft Windows Server, Linux with network services enabled, and Novell NetWare. In a business environment, a NOS like Windows Server manages user accounts, permissions, and shared resources across the organization's network.
3. Network Server Software:
Network server software refers to specialized applications running on servers that provide specific services to clients on the network. Examples of network server software include:
- Web Server Software: Software like Apache or Microsoft IIS that serves web pages to clients over the internet or local network.
- Email Server Software: Programs like Microsoft Exchange or Postfix that handle email communication, storing and forwarding messages to the intended recipients.
-File Server Software: Software that facilitates sharing and storage of files across the network. Windows Server includes file sharing capabilities, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices often have their own file server software.
These software components play a crucial role in ensuring that the network operates smoothly, resources are efficiently managed, and services are accessible to all devices connected to the network.
A computer network is a sophisticated system that connects computers and devices across varying geographical scales, enabling efficient communication and data sharing. Different types of data networks cater to different forms of information transmission. The network's hardware and software components work in harmony to facilitate this seamless connectivity.
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