NETWORK SOFTWARE
A Computer network is a group of computers and other devices connected together by
a suitable media. The computer networks have evolved from simple linking of
computers on a common transmission media to highly manage and optimized data
and information transfer systems. This means that a part from data communications, the focus
is now squarely on how best to utilize network resources.
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Network software can be classified into two main groups namely: O
M
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1. Network operating systems U
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2. Network protocol I
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Advantages of computers Networks T
I
O
Multiple users can communicate, exchange and share information. N
Resources sharing including program, database, hardware etc. is
By definition communications refers to the transfer of information from one place to another
between two individuals using agreed symbols, signs or even human behaviors such as
nodding. Exchange of information relies on communication system to convert, amplify and
send signal through a common medium. Message, Sender, Medium and Receiver are
essential components of communication systems.
If a system is extended by cascading more communications systems, it is called networked
systems.
In case communication involves the sending of information over a significant distance, it
must use telecommunications as an aid. By definition, telecommunication refers to the
transmission of information between distant location by some electromagnetic means.
Data communications is defined as the interchange and processing of encorded (digital that
is, 1s and 0s) information distant locations using telecommunications.
Data communications is regarded as the collection and the distribution of the electronic
representation of information which can be text, voice, graphics or image, from and to remote
computing facilities. As information can only be carried to the remote site provided that the
information carrier supports that particular type of data transmission, information may
undergo data conversion processes if the nature of data signal is incompatible with the
characteristics of the signal carrier.
PROTOCOLS
This are set of rules and procedures that govern communications between two different
devices or people. In computer networking, protocols refer to the rules and technical
procedures that govern communication between different computers.
How protocol work
The data transmission process over network has to been broken down into discrete
systematic steps. At each step certain action take place and each steps have its own
procedures as defined by network protocol. The co-ordination of protocols must be
coordinated so that there are no conflicts.
COMPARISON AMONG DIFFERENT TOPOLOGIES
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of various LAN topologies.
Type Advantage Disadvantage
Star Failure of central node causes
Simple and easy to identify fault
Topology disaster
Mesh Immunity of bottleneck and Expensive to provide an alternative
Topology failure problems routing
Bus Only a single communications
Topology Simple to control traffic flow channel is required to service all the
nodes
Ring
Simple to Implement One channel is required to service all
Topology