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Understanding Computer Networks Basics

A network connects computers to share files, printers, and send messages. It requires network interface cards, network software/drivers, and the same network operating system on all workstations. There are two main types of networks: peer-to-peer networks connect workstations directly without servers, while client-server networks use more powerful server computers to store files and applications for access by client workstations. A three-tier architecture separates the user interface, processing modules, and database for improved modularity and load balancing. Networks rely on different types of servers like file servers, print servers, and web/mail servers to provide centralized services to client workstations.

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Sirraj Arvind
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3 views2 pages

Understanding Computer Networks Basics

A network connects computers to share files, printers, and send messages. It requires network interface cards, network software/drivers, and the same network operating system on all workstations. There are two main types of networks: peer-to-peer networks connect workstations directly without servers, while client-server networks use more powerful server computers to store files and applications for access by client workstations. A three-tier architecture separates the user interface, processing modules, and database for improved modularity and load balancing. Networks rely on different types of servers like file servers, print servers, and web/mail servers to provide centralized services to client workstations.

Uploaded by

Sirraj Arvind
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Networks

A network is a system that sends and receives data and messages enabling two or more
computers to communicate with each other. Networks typically allow computers to share files,
share printers and send messages to each other.

A computer on a network is referred to as a workstation.

Every workstation on a network must have a network interface card installed (which also
provides the socket for the cable connection).

Special network software (drivers) will need to be installed on each workstation...and all
workstations on a network must have the same network operating system installed - so they all
use the same protocol (a set of rules for communicating between workstations).

Two types of Networks


Client – Server Network
Peer – Peer computers

Peer – Peer computers

Peer-to peer networks are often much simpler to set up than client/server networks. Peer-
to-peer networks have workstations connected to each other but do not have servers. However,
they lack some of the advantages normally associated with networks such as centrally managed
security and ease of backing up files. Peer-to-peer networks would really only be set up among a
few computers within an office or single room.

Client – Server Network

Client/server networks consist of two kinds of computer. The clients are usually
computer workstations sitting on the desks of employees in an organisation. The servers are
usually more powerful computers and are held in a central location or locations within an
organisation. There are several types of servers, for example file servers which store and
distribute files and applications, and print servers which control printers.

Client/Server networks need client software which is installed on the workstations and in
addition, they also need server software such as Windows NT ® Server or Novell Netware®. Files
can be shared between workstations, and a printer connected to one workstation can be accessed
by another workstation.

Three- Tier
A special type of client/server architecture consisting of three well-defined and separate
processes, each running on a different platform:

1. The user interface, which runs on the user's computer (the client).

2. The functional modules that actually process data. This middle tier runs on a server and is
often called the application server.

3. A database management system (DBMS) that stores the data required by the middle tier. This
tier runs on a second server called the database server.

The three-tier design has many advantages over traditional two-tier or single-tier designs, the
chief ones being:

 The added modularity makes it easier to modify or replace one tier without affecting the
other tiers.

 Separating the application functions from the database functions makes it easier to
implement load balancing.

Network Servers

A server is a computer that performs a service for other computers on the network. A
network may have several types of servers. LANs and WANs have file servers and print servers.
The Internet has other types of servers such as web servers and mail servers. (network traffic)

Print Server

Print servers control the printers on the network. When a file is printed, the file is sent to
the print server which assigns it to the printer that has been requested by the user.
A print server may be a dedicated computer or a user's workstation. It may also be a small
control box or card that slots into the printer itself.
Alternatively the print server may actually reside on the same computer as the file server. The
computer is thus a file server and print server together.

File Servers

File servers store the files that are created by the network users. They also store
applications such as word processing programs, spreadsheets etc. Users can access parts of a file
server's hard disk which will appear as an extra drive on their own computer. Applications can
either be run from the fileserver, or they can be downloaded to the user's workstation. In
addition, the fileserver often runs the network software which controls the network.

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