A Computer Network is a collection of independent computing devices connected in different ways to share resources and information using protocols over a common communication medium.
Nodes or hosts are devices that are connected to a network. These can include computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, and other devices.
In computer networks, a link can be any wire, cable, or open area in a wireless network.
Protocol is a collection of rules and standards that define how data is transmitted, formatted, and received in a network. Protocols ensure proper communication between different devices, even if they use different hardware or operating systems.
Shared communication medium in a computer network is the physical or wireless channel (specific communication path or frequency band) through which data is transmitted between networked devices. This medium enables multiple devices to send and receive information efficiently.
Can a singular computer system with its peripherals, such as printers and scanners, be considered a network?
It is not considered a network because it lacks the fundamental characteristic of a computer network;
- Peripherals like printers and scanners are dependent on the main computer and cannot function independently.
- Peripherals only communicate with the single computer they are connected to, rather than with other independent devices.
- A standalone computer with peripherals does not facilitate data exchange between multiple independent devices.
- A single computer with peripherals operates through direct connections, not standardized networking protocols.
Fundamental Characteristics of Computer Network
- Security: Computer network security is crucial for businesses, as unauthorized access can lead to data misuse. Nowadays, computer networking tools offer the highest level of security to prevent such unauthorized access.
- Reliability: To guarantee that resources and data are always accessible when needed, computer networks must be reliable. When network fails, redundancy and backup systems can help to guarantee that it continues to function.
- Scalability: A network's scalability refers to its capacity to handle additional users or devices without facing a drop in performance. The internet is a prime example of this, keeping up with millions of new users. In order to handle more traffic and data as the number of devices and users rises, computer networks must be scalable to meet evolving needs and growth.
- Flow of Data: Computer networks facilitate seamless data transfer between devices by allowing users to access and share files and documents.
- High Performance: Data transfers and resource utilization efficiency are impacted by performance, which is the rate at which commands are executed correctly. Having several processors can improve performance. Bandwidth, latency, and throughput are some of the characteristics that affect network speed and responsiveness, which in turn affects user experience.
- Fault Tolerance: A key component of computer network is fault tolerance, which enables data to be transmitted via wired connections even in case a wireless connection fails. This ensures uninterrupted communication even in the situation that an element of the network is unavailable or broken.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Users can control data transmission and delivery methods, ensuring fast and efficient transmission. The system can handle any data issues, ensuring a seamless network experience for all users.
- Compatible with Hardware and Software Components: A computer network allows multiple devices to use the same software, enhancing functionality and ease of use. This feature allows programs to be used on different hardware, maximizing the potential of available resources.
- Connectivity: A computer network facilitates device communication through wired and wireless technologies like Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
- Management and Administration: Computer networks require continuous management and administration to function properly, including monitoring performance, configuring devices, and troubleshooting issues.
Uses of Computer Networks
- Communicating via instant messaging, video, email, etc.
- Devices like printers, scanners, etc. are shared.
- Sharing files.
- Sharing operating systems and software across remote platforms.
- Facilitating information maintenance and access for network users.
Advantages of Computer Network
- A central database is used to store files, making them conveniently accessible to all users.
- Multiple computing devices can be connected by routing a single connection.
- Multiple devices may readily share files and data, which facilitates communication inside the enterprise.
- Information in the system is further protected and secured by computer networking.
Disadvantages of Computer Network
- A virus is a program that has the ability to alter other programs in order to infect them. Malware and viruses have the ability to ruin an entire network.
- Computer networking requires a number of wires and cables in addition to the device, which makes the initial setup costly.
- There may be some data loss in the event of a system failure.
- A person must receive training in order to properly manage a network, which is somewhat complicated.
