Networking Basics
A computer network is a group of two or more computer systems linked to one another. A network connection may be made using wireless or cabled media.
It is the connecting of many devices together, usually referred to as hosts linked via several channels in order to transmit and receive media or data.
In addition, there exist several devices or media that provide communication between two distinct devices, together referred to as network devices. Example: Hub, Bridge, Switch, Router.
Hardware and software are used in every network to link computers and other devices.
Computer Network Components
The following are crucial elements of a computer network:
Flips
In a building or campus, switches serve as the controller that links computers, printers, and other physical items to a network.
It makes it possible for devices on your network to talk to other networks and to one other. It facilitates resource sharing and lowers an organization’s expenses.
Switches
Routers provide your connection to several networks. It saves money and lets you share a single internet connection with many devices. By acting as a dispatcher, this networking component enables you to examine data that is sent over a network. It chooses the most direct path for data to take and sends it on its way automatically.
Servants
Computers known as servers are used to store data, network operating systems, and shared applications. All network users may access network resources thanks to servers.
Customers
Computer devices that connect to a network, use it, and share resources are known as clients. Since they are able to send and receive requests from the server, they are also considered network users.
Media of Transmission
Transmission media, which includes coaxial cable, twisted-pair wire, and optical fiber cable, is a carrier that links computers in a network. It goes by the names connections, channels, or lines as well.
Points of access
Devices can connect wirelessly to a network without the need for cables thanks to access points. A wireless network gives mobile users flexible support and lets you bring additional devices.
Exchanged Information
Shared data includes information that is transferred between clients, including email, printer access programs, and data files.
Card with Network Interface Data flow between the computer and the network is managed and sent by the interface card.
Particular Operating System
A local operating system (OS) allows personal computers to use one or more internal disk and CD drives, access files, and print to a local printer.
System for Network Operation
One software that runs on PCs and servers is called the network operating system. It makes network communication between the computers possible.
Procedure
The set of specified guidelines that permit two entities to communicate over a network is known as a protocol. For this, common protocols like IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, etc. are used.
Center
A hub is an apparatus that divides a network connection among several computers. It serves as a distribution hub, so any time a computer needs information from another computer or the network, it sends a cable-based request to the hub. After receiving the request, the hub will forward it to the whole network.
Ethernet Wire
Ethernet or data cable are other names for local area network (LAN) cable. A device can be connected to the internet using it.
Open Systems Interconnection is known by its acronym, OSI. It’s a reference model that lets you define communication standards.
Identifiers Specific to the Network
Here are a few distinct network identifiers:
Name of the host
Each device on the network has a hostname, which is a unique device associated with it.
IP Address Every device connected to the Internet is uniquely identified by its IP (Internet Protocol) address. The IP address is 32 bits long. 64 bits make up an IPv6 address.
Name Server
The Domain Name System is known as DNS. It is a server that converts web addresses or URLs to the appropriate IP addresses.
Known as a physical address, the MAC (Media Access Control Address) is linked to the Network Interface Card (NIC) and serves as a unique identifier for every host. A MAC address is typically 12 digits long, 6 bytes long, and 48 bits long.
Port
Port is a logical channel which allows network users to send or receive data to an application. A host may run more than one application at once. The port number that each of these applications is currently running on is used to identify it.
Advantages of a Computer Network
Here are the fundamental benefits/pros of using Computer Networking:
aids in establishing a connection between several computers so that you can send and receive data while using a network.
facilitates email, printer, and scanner sharing.
allows you to exchange information quickly
Electronic communication is more efficient and less expensive than without the network.
Negative aspects of utilizing computer networks
The following are disadvantages and pros of computer networks:
Investment for hardware and software can be costly for initial set-up
If you don’t take proper security precautions like file encryption, firewalls then your data will be at risk.
Some components of the network design may not last for many years, and it will become useless or malfunction and need to be replaced.
Requires time for constant administration
Frequent server failure and issues of regular cable faults
Summary:
A computer network is a group of two or more interconnected computer systems
Computer networks help you to connect with multiple computers together to send and receive information
Switches work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other hardware devices
Routers provide your connection to several networks. It enables you to share a single internet connection and saves money
Servers are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating system
Clients are computer device which accesses and uses the network and shares network resources
Hub is a device that split a network connection into multiple computers.
Access points allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables
Network Interface card sends, receives data and controls data flow between the computer and the network
A protocol is the set of defined rules which that allows two entities to communicate across the network
Hostname, IP Address, DNS Server, and host are important unique indetenfiters of computer networks.
ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol
RAR Reverse Address Resolution Protocol gives an IP address of the device with given a physical address as input.
Computer network helps you to share expensive software’s and database among network participants
The biggest drawback of installing computer network is that its initial investment for hardware and software can be costly for initial set-up