Computer Network
Dr. Neha Gulati
Assistant Professor
University Business School
Panjab University, Chandigarh
1
Index
1. Introduction - Slide 3
2. What is Network Slide 4
3. Basic terminology Slide 6
4. Advantages of Network Slide 7
5. Uses of Network Slide 11
2
Introduction
Data Communication and network have
changed the way business and other daily
affair works. Now, they rely on computer
networks.
A set of devices often mentioned as nodes
connected by media link is called a
Network.
A node can be a device which is capable of
sending or receiving data generated by other
nodes on the network .
e.g. a computer, printer etc.
3
What is Network ?
A network is a set of technologies –including
hardware, soft ware and media that can be
used to connect computers together enabling
them to communicate, exchange information
and share resources in real time.
All networks require hardware, soft ware and
media to connect computer system together.
For e.g. wires
4
Elementary Terminology
Nodes: the term node refers to a computer
that is attached to the network.
Server: a computer that facilitates sharing
of data, hardware and software is called
server.
5
6
ADVANTAGES
RESOURCE SHARING
The aim is to make all programs, data and
peripherals available to anyone on the network
irrespective of the physical location of the resources
and the user
e.g. printers
7
RELIABILITY
A file can have copies on two or three different
machines, so if one of them is unavailable
(hardware crash), the other copies could be used.
For banking, air reservation and many other
applications it is of great importance .
8
COST FACTOR
Personal computers have better
price/performance ratio than micro computers.
So it is better to have PC's, one per user, with
data stored on one shared file server machine.
9
COMMUNICATION MEDIUM.
Using a network, it is possible for managers,
working far apart, to prepare financial report of
the company.
The changes at one end can be immediately
noticed at another and hence it speeds up co-
operation among them.
e.g. email
10
Applications & Uses of Network
Marketing and sales
Computer networks are used extensively in
both marketing and sales organizations.
Marketing professionals use them to collect,
exchange, and analyse data relating to
customer needs and product development
cycles.
Sales applications include teleshopping, which
uses order entry computers or telephones
connected to an order-processing network.
11
Financial Services
Today's financial services are totally
dependent on computer networks.
Applications include credit history
searches, foreign exchange and
investment services and banking.
12
electronic funds transfer (EFT), which allows a
user, to transfer money without going into a bank
(an automated teller machine is a kind of electronic
funds transfer; automatic pay check deposit is
another).
13
Manufacturing
Computer networks are used today in, many
aspects of
manufacturing, including the manufacturing
process itself.
Two applications that use networks to provide
essential services are:
• computer-assisted design (CAD)
• computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM)
both of which allow multiple users to work on a
project simultaneously 14
15
Electronic messaging
Probably the most widely used
network application is electronic
mail (e-mail).
Information services
Network information services include
bulletin boards and data banks.
A World Wide Web site offering the
technical specifications for a new product
is an information service. 16
Cellular telephone
In the past two parties wishing to use the
services of the telephone company had to be
linked by a fixed physical connection.
Today's cellular networks make it possible to
maintain wireless phone connections even
while traveling over large distances.
17
Cable television: services provided by
cable television networks may include video
on request, as well as the financial and
communications services currently provided
by the telephone companies and computer
networks.
18