IndianTechnoEra: Computer Networking - Computer Fundamental

Computer Networking

Computer networking is the form of the computer communication through with the data and information of one computer has been transfer to another computer who can also share the computer printer hard disk. Connected with the computer system. It is possible with in a room building, city to city and country to country of very computer network is controlled by sever allows the exchange of data for more computer to another computer. The computer connected to the server is called as nodes or clients or work station each computer is connected to each other with the help of communication media which is connected axial cable micro wave, optical fiber cable and satellite.

Definition: A computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources.

How many types of computer networking?
There are three types of computer networking-

1. LAN- Local Area Networking
2. MAN- Metropolitan Area Networking
3. WAN- Aide Area Networking

Advantage of computer networking

• Sharing of information
• Low cost of data transfer rate
• Sharing of computer components equipment
• Multi-media transfer
• Data and information are available at instant.

Disadvantage of computer networking

• Data will not secure
• Complexity
• High cost of installation charge.

Characteristics of a Computer Network

• Share resources from one computer to another.
• Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network.
• Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let other computers of the network use the machines available over the network.

Hardware's Required to Set Up a Computer Network

Following is the list of hardware's required to set up a computer network.

• Network Cables
• Distributors
• Routers
• Internal Network Cards
• External Network Cards

Network Cables: Network cables are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable is Category 5 cable RJ-45.

Distributors: A computer can be connected to another one via a serial port but if we need to connect many computers to produce a network, this serial connection will not work.

The solution is to use a central body to which other computers, printers, scanners, etc. can be connected and then this body will manage or distribute network traffic.

Router: A router is a type of device which acts as the central point among computers and other devices that are a part of the network. It is equipped with holes called ports. Computers and other devices are connected to a router using network cables. Now-a-days router comes in wireless modes using which computers can be connected without any physical cable.

Network Card: Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer cannot be connected over a network. It is also known as the network adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC). Most branded computers have network card pre-installed. Network cards are of two types: Internal and External Network Cards.

Internal Network Cards: Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted. Internal network cards are of two types in which the first type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connection, while the second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). Network cables are required to provide network access.

External Network Cards: External network cards are of two types: Wireless and USB based. Wireless network card needs to be inserted into the motherboard; however no network cable is required to connect to the network.

Universal Serial Bus (USB): USB card is easy to use and connects via USB port. Computers automatically detect USB card and can install the drivers required to support the USB network card automatically.

Topology

Computer network topology refers to the physical communication schemes used by connected devices on a network. It is way of connecting the computers to each other.
There are few types of topology-

1. Linear or bus topology
2. Ring topology
3. Star topology
4. Mesh topology
5. Tree topology
6. Wireless topology