Computer Networks
A computer network basically consists of a group of computers that could share information across the wired or the wireless technology. Earlier the computer networks were used only in the corporate world. But the increasing need of internet and computers has now made it available in almost all the homes. IT is now cheap enough to be used for small business and individuals. A computer networking would require computer, hardware to connect them and a protocol. Basic elements of Computer Network are:
Router: A router is very similar to a traffic light. It handles traffic and directs it to different computers on the network.
Network Card: A network card allows the computer to send or receive the data. It is required so that the computer could communicate with different computers on the network.
Protocol: It is the communication method which is used by the computer network. IT packages the information and delivers it.
Server: A server is a machine which has faster processing and massive storage capabilities. It is a very important part of network and allows multiple users to save and use the resources.
Client: The multiple user computers on the network are the clients. The clients first have to login into the network and on the server. They are then given permissions to use the resources on the network. Client computers are generally slow and require permissions on the network. This separates them from the server on the network.
Types of Networks
LAN- Local Area Network: It is used to connect computers in short spam of areas for e.g. homes, small offices, internet cafe’s etc. Since it is operated in small area, it can be managed by a single person. It uses TCP/IP protocol for communication.
WAN- Wide Area Network: It is used to connect computers in a large spam of area. Internet itself is a very good example of WAN as it covers the entire earth. A WAN mainly connects several LANs together. WAN’s use network protocols like Frame Relay, ATM etc.
WLAN- Wireless Local Area Network: LAN’s which are connected through the wireless technology are known as WLAN. WLAN doesn’t use wires as LAN but uses radio signals as the mode of communication. Wireless network cards are required to access any other wireless network around. These are installed in the systems. These wireless cards connect to wireless routers for the communication among the computers or to access WAN i.e. internet.
MAN - Metropolitan Area Network: This kind of network holds importance for certain government bodies, organizations etc. Generally this network is not used. It comes between LAN and WAN. The area covered by MAN is greater than that covered by WAN but is smaller than that covered by a WAN. It is similar to the area covered by a city.
CAN - Campus Area Network: CAN covers a network area containing multiple LAN’s .Hence we can say that CAN covers area greater that LAN but smaller than MAN. This kind of a network is generally used by large universities or some local businesses.
SAN - Storage Area Network: This is a very uncommon and different kind of a network. It is basically used for data storage is used just in data storage organizations. SAN uses Fibre channel technology to connect servers to the data storage devices.