NETWORK
NETWORK
• A computer network refers to a group of two or more computing
devices that are
connected by a communication medium allowing the computers to
communicate
electronically.
• A computing device on a network is usually referred to as a node, being
connected to one another, it allows nodes to exchange data with one
another using a connection media between them.
REASONS FOR USING NETWORKS
1. COMMUNICATION - Everything, from the world wide web to online banking to multiplayer computer
games, depends on the ability of computers to communicate.
2. ACCESSING RESOURCES - Networks allow computers to share and access resources with other
computing devices connected to it. E.g. Data and information, Printers and scanners, Software,
Labour and money and Other hardware resources
3. CENTRALISATION OF DATA - Data can be stored on one server instead of several devices. For
example, on a small home network, all the data can be centralised by using a server
4. TRANSFER OF FILES - One way in which data and information can be shared on a network is by
sharing
files. By sharing files, you allow users connected to the same network (whether
that is a local network or the internet) to gain access to specific files
REASONS FOR USING NETWORKS
5. INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY - The use of networks allow most people to work and study
more productively. This is achieved by allowing people to: collaborate more easily and share
files, thereby preventing work from being duplicated.
6. LEISURE - Access to the internet provides access to an almost unlimited amount of
entertainment. Examples include:
● games
● multimedia
● books
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
NETWORKS
COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK
• To create any type of network you will need networking equipment.
• The networking equipment needed will, however, depend on the type
of network you wish to establish.
BASIC NETWORK COMPONENTS
• Nodes: This refers to a device connected to a network which is able to
send and receive data.
• Examples of nodes include:
•
{ printers
•
{ servers
•
{ workstations (PC’s or laptops)
• Naccess points.
• {
• Network Interface Controller (NIC): Examples of NICs
include:
•
{{ a wired NIC
•
{{ a wireless NIC.
• Communication media (wired and wireless): This refers to
the physical channel through which data is sent and received.
• Network Operating System (NOS): A specialized operating
system that allows additional security and settings.
SWITCH
• A switch or router are devices that allow multiple computers to connect
to the same network.
• They can also be used to connect two networks to each other.
• A switch serves as a controller, enabling networked devices to talk to
each other efficiently.
• A router connects multiple networks together. They also connect
computers on those networks to the internet. Routers enable all
networked computers to share a single internet connection.
ROUTER
• A device that makes it possible for networks to communicate over the
Internet, by directing data to its correct destination.
• A router is a small box that allows multiple computers to join the same
network
• Early routers only had Ethernet ports for wired connections, but now
modern routers also provide wireless connectivity.
• They allow multiple computers and other devices, like smartphones
and tablets, to join the same network.
OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION
MEDIA
• WIRED NETWORK
• A wired network is a network that uses a physical media to transfer
data between two or more nodes. The transmission media for wired
networks are:
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and
• Fibre optic cables.
WIRED NETWORK
WIRELESS NETWORKS
• A wireless network is a network that uses non-physical components to transfer
data between two or more nodes. Local area networks are often wireless LANs
(WLANs). Transmission media include:
• radio waves (wireless network)
• infrared signals (wireless network).
TYPES OF NETWORKS
• personal area network (or PAN) covers a very small area. This type of
network connects devices within a certain range and if you move outside of that
range, the connection can be lost.
• home area network (or HAN) is a computer network that covers a larger area
like your home
• local area network (or LAN) covers a larger area like an office or a bigger
premises. These computers can be connected to the network using either a
wired or wireless connection media.
• wide area network covers a very large area – that could include all the
people in a suburb, city or country. It is often used to refer to the internet, the
world’s largest WAN. WANs are not private but are instead organised by
communities or businesses.
REASONS FOR LOGGING IN
• files and data
• expensive devices
• backups and network security.
CLIENT-SERVER NETWORKS
• A server is used to manage a client-server network, where computers (nodes)
connect to the server
• It ensures that authorised users have access to certain resources when logging
on to a network.
PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS
• In a peer-to-peer network, each computer (node) on the network connects
directly to the network AND to the other nodes.
• the computer’s settings determine who is authorised to access the resources