Networks Explained

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Networks Explained

What we’ll cover:      

What are networks?

What type of networks are there?

What characterises one network from another?

How are networks used?

What components are needed for a network ?

Summary

What are networks? “A computer network is a group of computers connected to each electronically.

This means that the computers can "talk" to each other and that every computer in the network can send information to the others. Usually, this means that the speed of the connection is fast - faster than a normal connection to the Internet.�

Wikipedia

What type of networks are there?

There are many types of computer networks, including: 

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local-area networks (LANs) : The computers are geographically close together (that is, in the same building). wide-area networks (WANs) : The computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves. campus-area networks (CANs): The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a campus or military base. metropolitan-area networks (MANs): A data network designed for a town or city. home-area networks (HANs): A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's digital devices. www.webopedia.com

What characterises one network from another?

Topology: this refers to the arrangement of a computer network or system which could range from ‘bus’ –computers on a either side of a linear network- or a ‘ring’ –computers connected to each other in a circular link pattern- depending on which topology is best suited.

Protocol: this refers to set of defined signals that computers use to communicate via a specific network like a network ‘language’. LAN networks use an Ethernet protocol for example but there are many variations depending on a networks nature and functionality.

How are networks used?

Networks are used on two different scales for various sharing and connectivity purposes:  Intranets/Extranets: these are parts of a computer network for nuclear or LAN purpose such as companies or universities. ◦ Intranet: this is a collection of networks that use IP (internet protocol) and their relative tools like web browser software that is controlled by one management administrator and at least one organizational; web server for handling webmail for example. ◦ Extranet: this “allows controlled access from the outside, for specific business or educational purposes. An extranet can be viewed as an extension of a company's intranet that is extended to users outside the company, usually partners, vendors, and suppliers.”  Internet: “The Internet is a global system of interconnected governmental, academic, corporate, public, and private computer networks. It is based on the networking technologies of the Internet Protocol Suite. It is the successor of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) developed by DARPA of the United States Department of Defence. The Internet is also the communications backbone underlying the World Wide Web (WWW).”

Wikipedia

What components are needed for a network 1) Hub: connects computers and devices Other than a PC or laptop you would also need the following:

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and sends messages and data from any one device to all the others.

2) Switch: It knows the address of each item and so when the desktop computer wants to talk to the laptop, it only sends the message to the laptop and nothing else.

3) Router- connects two or more computers and to route their data and ensure it is sent correctly 4) Modem- this will connect a network user to the internet and to convert data that needs to be used For custom needs, these components would be have to be specifically organised to assist in providing network solutions for small or large networks with special requirements.

Summary:     

A computer network is a group of computers connected to each electronically.

There are many types of computer networks such as LANs, WANs, CANs, MANs and HANs Topology and protocol characterise one network from another Networks are used for intranets, extranets or for the internet There are various components needed to connect a user to a network, a network to multiple users and even to other networks

The End!