Posts Tagged local area network
Easy to Understand Definition of a Computer Network
By definition a network is a group or system that interconnects components together. A network of retail stores, for example, implies some sort of relationship between the stores. A railroad network suggests that the tracks interconnect at different points. And a computer network interconnects computers.
By far the most famous computer network in the world is the Internet. The Internet is, in fact, a collection of smaller networks that are interconnected together – a network of networks if you can imagine that.
But computer networks don’t necessarily have to be large or complex. By definition, the smallest possible computer network would include just two interconnected computers. The interconnection can be achieved using a cable or by wireless technology. Whatever the medium, as long as the computers can communicate together they are part of a network.
Surprisingly, the Information Technology industry doesn’t define networks by size, rather, by location. Computers that are interconnected in a small geographical location such as a home or an office are said to be in a LAN (Local Area Network). A LAN can have two computers or two thousand computers.
Conversely, computers that are connected across a wide geographical area such as between cities or countries are said to be in a WAN (Wide Area Network). Strictly speaking a WAN actually interconnects LANs. Five computers in a New York office are in a LAN, however, the New York office also connects to an Office in Chicago who hosts ten other computers. All together, that network is said to be a WAN spanning New York to Chicago. But individually each office is a LAN in its own right. One LAN in New York and one LAN in Chicago. This is why we say that strictly speaking a WAN interconnects LANs.
A description of how the network is wired together can be provided using a physical network topology. Network topologies are used to describe the different ways to connect computers together. A bus topology, for example, describes computers connected across a common wire in a linear fashion. A star topology describes computers connected to a common central device such as a switch. Other types of common topologies include ring topology as well as mesh and partial mesh topology.
But possibly the most important working components of a computer network are the protocols. A protocol is a set of rules. In order to communicate correctly, computers must talk the same protocol so that they understand what is being received and know how to send information in return. The IT industry has successfully established TCP/IP as the dominant network protocol across the world. The standardization of TCP/IP in computers has allowed the internet to thrive because is provides a common language that computers can use to communicate with each other.
Tags: computer network, famous computer, five computers, geographical area, information technology industry, local area network, network topologies, network topology, railroad network, wide area network
Computer Network Overview
Computer networking or data communication is a most important part of the information technology. Today every business in the world needs a computer network for smooth operations, flexibly, instant communication and data access. Just imagine if there is no network communication in the university campuses, hospitals, multinational organizations and educational institutes then how difficult are to communicate with each other. In this article you will learn the basic overview of a computer network. The targeted audience of this article is the people who want to know about the network communication system, network standards and types.
A computer network is comprised of connectivity devices and components. To share data and resources between two or more computers is known as networking. There are different types of a computer network such as LAN, MAN, WAN and wireless network. The key devices involved that make the infrastructure of a computer network are Hub, Switch, Router, Modem, Access point, LAN card and network cables.
LAN stands for local area network and a network in a room, in a building or a network over small distance is known as a LAN. MAN stands for Metropolitan area network and it covers the networking between two offices within the city. WAN stands for wide area network and it cover the networking between two or more computers between two cities, two countries or two continents.
There are different topologies of a computer network. A topology defines the physical layout or a design of a network. These topologies are star topology, bus topology, mesh topology, star bus topology etc. In a star topology each computer in a network is directly connected with a centralized device known as hub or switch. If any computer gets problematic in star topology then it does not affect the other computers in a network.
There are different standards and devices in computer network. The most commonly used standard for a local area network is Ethernet. Key devices in a computer network are hub, switch, router, modem and access point etc. A router is used to connect two logically and physical different networks. All the communication on the internet is based on the router. Hub/Switch is used to connect the computers in local area network.
Hopefully, in this article you may have learnt that what a computer network is, how important it is in our lives, what are different network devices, standards, topologies and communication types.
Tags: connectivity devices, different topologies, hub switch, local area network, metropolitan area network, network cables, smooth operations, star topology, two continents, university campuses
Setting Up a Small Business Computer Network
A computer network setup is an integral part of every organization today. The linkage of the different computers in the office space helps in the growth of the business by saving time and money. It speeds up the work pace and invariably saves a lot of time. Each office would have its own specific needs. One can approach network consulting firms with their requirements and have a computer network setup that caters specifically to their needs. Your computer must be used to its full potential and all your needs should be met with a good computer network system in place.
An effective computer network would mean a good network design to begin with. The network consulting firms can also suggest the best possible network design as per the nature of the job of the enterprise and the role of the computer network system in the work area. There are various kinds of computer networks like the LAN (Local area network) to WAN (Wide Area Network) and various other types. Each has its own particular role and use and the right one can be chosen depending upon the field of functioning. One can even have a computer network setup that is wireless. A wireless system is a more practical solution in recent times as people can be connected and still have the option of roaming freely with their laptops. A remote access arrangement is also a good networking option. In case of the traditional wired network one should be certain that the cabling done is of superior quality or else the problems that you may end up with are plenty. A system integration firm would be the best option to setup a good network in the office space.
The system integration firm will help integrate a new setup with the already existing setup in the organization. This would help save money for the company as you may not need to do away with the old network as the professionals would be able to find a way of combining the new technology with the already existing one. Apart from the different systems existing in the company it can all be brought together under one umbrella and this would help in extracting the complete picture all at once. All the subsystems are held as one and the integration process makes it as one.
A computer network that is setup with the aid of network consulting agents, using their expertise in putting up a network system in place helps in making the operation of the company smoother. An effective system integration process adds to the benefits of the computer network. All this put together triggers the growth process of the company. There are various firms offering services of network design and system integration. Do a proper study before hiring the services of any. Since this involves thorough knowledge and expertise of all the systems in place, you have to be certain that the job is assigned to a competent firm with sufficient experience and knowledge behind them.
Tags: computer network system, different computers, kinds of computer, local area network, nature of the job, network consulting, networking option, setting up a small business, small business computer, system integration firm
Types of Computer Networks
There are different types of Computer Networking that you may need for your home or office. To begin with you have the option of a wired or wireless computer network. These types of networks differ. A wired computer network will have copper or fiber optic cabling running between computers while a wireless network uses radio waves and/or microwaves to maintain communication channels.
A client/server network works by using client devices, typically PCs with network software applications installed that request and receive information over the network. The server device will usually store files and databases and includes more complex applications like Web sites. These devices often feature high-powered central processors, more memory and larger disk drives than the client devices. Two examples of client-server systems include Web browsers and servers.
In addition to these types of networks there are also types of area networks. These are categorized by their scope or scale. Some area network types include:
• LAN – Local Area Network
• WAN – Wide Area Network
• WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network – a LAN based on WiFi wireless network technology
• MAN – Metropolitan Area Network – a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned an operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.
• CAN – Campus Area Network – a network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN, such as on a university or local business campus.
• Storage Area Network – connects servers to data storage devices through a technology like Fibre Channel.
• System Area Network – links high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a cluster configuration. Also known as Cluster Area Network.
These are just a few of the various types of area networks. LAN and WAN were the original categories of area networks but through the evolution of technology we have been forced to keep adding more and more types due to the ever-changing field.
A LAN network will connect devices over a relatively short distance. This may include a building, school, or home that will contain a single LAN. Sometimes one building will contain a few small LANs and on the other hand a LAN may span a group of nearby buildings. A WAN spans a large distance. The Internet is the largest WAN as it covers the Earth. A network device called a router will connect LANs to a WAN. These are typically not owned by any one organization like LANs but are under a distributed ownership and management system.
Tags: client server network, client server systems, computer network, computer networking, computer networks, high performance computers, local area network, metropolitan area network, network technology, radio waves, server device, storage area network, types of computer networking, wireless network technology
Computer Networking Supplies
Today it is almost inconceivable for a business not to have computers, whether it is a construction company or a high technology firm. When a business has more than one computer, they are almost always connected together in a local area network. These networks may be more or less advanced and therefore more or less costly.
Companies invest so much (in terms of both money and time) in a local area networks because there are many advantages that a local area network brings to a business and how it is administered.
Some businesses use a local area network in such a way they are highly dependent on it always working. If the company’s network fails, then you may see all the employees chatting away in the corridors because they can’t do their work. This means big losses for the company and causes stresses on the employees. All companies must consider their local area networks a vital asset and downtime must be avoided. This imposes huge demands on the network staff to keep such networks running almost 100% of the time.
The advantages of Computer Network Management
One of the main advantages of installing and maintaining LANs is the opportunity they create for better communication and cooperation between employees and customers.
Security considerations: Local Area Network security can be both a help and hindrance. Comprehensive security is beneficial because it provides a central and safe strategy for data access and disaster recovery. All information is protected by the design and implementation of the network security solution. On the other hand, interconnecting computers in local area networks creates a security risk, since doing so makes it technically possible for intruders to access many machines on the network at once.
Cost considerations: Installing a local area network is a relatively expensive project. Servers, cabling, switches, routers and software can all be expensive and should never be purchased without expert advice. Keeping the network operating and secure also requires a lot of resources and can be costly.
Surprisingly, a local area network can bring a number of cost savings. Sharing resources avoids the need to purchase equipment for each individual. Even more important is the security that a local area network can provide. Data loss could cost a business a great deal of money and in some cases, cause the business to shutdown altogether. Computer Network Management should require a consistent routine for data backups with regular checkups of data quality – a practice that will save a company huge sums in the event of a mishap.
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