The sharing of fax machines, printers, and modems amongst many computers and users reduce the operational cost. A database on a computer network is a very important application as it stores and runs many important data and jobs. Emails and chats can be used for instantaneous communication and sending of files on a computer network.
The networking hardware basically consists of wiring, network cards and a hub. Computer network cards are required so that one computer can understand what the other computer is “talking”. Network cards have a unique MAC address to identify computers on a computer network. Hubs connect all the computers in the network. Hubs can also be used to connect to other hubs to increase the size of the computer network. Two computers can be connected using Ethernet cards or phone lines or power lines for communication, with hardware kits available at roughly a cost of 0.
As the number of computers in an office or a home increases, so do the number of cables, so wireless networking is a viable solution. In wireless networking radio transreceivers or infrared signals are used to communicate between computers and devices. Examples of wireless networking include Wi-fi and Bluetooth technology, though there may be security issues involved in wireless networking. However there definitely is a stronger preference towards wireless networking nowadays among consumers.
A computer network is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software. This interconnected system will share services and interact through a communications link.
A computer network is very helpful in a business. Most of the time a business will have more than one computer set up and it often very beneficial to network all of the computers in the office. A local area network (LAN) will connect your company’s computers. This will allow them to share and exchange different types of information. If you haven’t considered networking your office computers, listen to these reasons.
Types of Computer Network?
A computer network refers to an interconnected group of computers. The networks may be classified according to the network layer at which they function depending upon the basic reference models. The reference models may differ from industry to industry, just like the five-layer Internet Protocol Suite model. Computer Networks are classified on the basis of various factors like scale, connection method, network relationships and protocol.
The common types of computer networks are:
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
Campus Area Network (CAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Global Area Network (GAN)
Internet work – intranet, extranet and internet
The smallest type of network is a Personal Area Network (PAN). This type of computer network connects a computer to a number of devices. These devices may include, but are not limited to, printers, PDAs, and telephones. Usually these are located very close to a computer. A Local Area Network (LAN) is used to network a small geographical area. An example of this type of computer network is a home network with two or more computers or computers that are connected in a workplace. A version of a LAN is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
A Campus Area Network (CAN) is ideal for a university but they are also found in industrial facilities. This type of computer network connects computers in a number of buildings. This is generally accomplished through bridging and routing. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) consists of any number of interconnected LANs and WANs but it will not extend certain boundaries, such as those of a town, city, or metropolitan area. Many of these are operated at public utilities and are used by businesses and individuals in the area.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a step up from a MAN. This type of computer network can cross metropolitan or even national boundaries. The best known WAN is the Internet. This computer network uses routers and public communication links to carry data. Many WANs are run by private companies and restricted, unlike the Internet. Although these are the MAN types of network that most users come across there are other computer networks ranging from as small as a Desktop Area Network (DAN) to a very large Global Area Network (GAN).
Importance of Network
With the boom of technology and e-commerce, most of the small and large businesses today are driven by the use of internet. The Internet and the influence that it has on e-commerce and business has in more than one ways become the “great equalizer” of small business and the larger corporate giants.
Especially in the case of small business, it is very important to maintain their computer network solutions so as to keep working properly and efficiently. A whole package of computer networking solutions complete with routine maintenance, regular updates, upgrades and support can help an organization ensure that its investment is well protected and that it can survive and thrive online.
Here are some of the important computer network and services that can help your organization runs smoothly and efficiently:
Updating and upgrading software – This helps in ensuring the longevity and integrity of the online portion of your business. By installing regular software updates, you can ensure that you have the newest, safest and most efficient software for your organization’s needs.
Maintenance of systems using computer network support – It is advisable to find a trusted technician in your area whom you can call in to save valuable time in the event of an unexpected technical problem.
Routine maintenance – This helps in protecting your computers and networks from viruses and spy ware. Installing an effective virus protection software program in your system can ensure the longevity of your computer network by helping to keep it free from dangerous viruses that can threaten your information and software. Moreover the spy ware prevention software can also help keep unwanted hackers out of your systems to ensure that your sensitive information is kept secure.
E – Network Providers:
There are many organizations that provide online computer network solutions for small, medium and large organizations. They provide cost effective and high performance computer networking solutions to build Local Area Network, Wide Area Network and Wireless LAN to access internet and share data between the computers. Some of the companies providing computer Networking Solutions online are:
CSS Infotech Ltd.
JMPro Networking Solutions
VIP PowerNet
The Computer Company