Scribd
Upload
95 views

Computer Network

Computer networks allow computing devices to exchange data and share resources by connecting nodes through physical or wireless links that follow communication protocols. Modern networks can operate virtually across physical infrastructures, integrate systems on a large scale, and respond quickly to changing conditions while providing data security. Common network architectures include client-server, with separate servers and clients, and peer-to-peer, with equal nodes that can both serve and receive data.

Uploaded by

deathagapitalickit
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
95 views

Computer Network

Computer networks allow computing devices to exchange data and share resources by connecting nodes through physical or wireless links that follow communication protocols. Modern networks can operate virtually across physical infrastructures, integrate systems on a large scale, and respond quickly to changing conditions while providing data security. Common network architectures include client-server, with separate servers and clients, and peer-to-peer, with equal nodes that can both serve and receive data.

Uploaded by

deathagapitalickit
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

What is computer networking?

Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can


exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices
use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information
over physical or wireless technologies.

Let’s answer some common computer networking FAQs.

How does a computer network work?


Nodes and links are the basic building blocks in computer networking. A network
node may be data communication equipment (DCE) such as a modem, hub or,
switch, or data terminal equipment (DTE) such as two or more computers and
printers. A link refers to the transmission media connecting two nodes. Links
may be physical, like cable wires or optical fibers, or free space used by wireless
networks.

In a working computer network, nodes follow a set of rules or protocols that


define how to send and receive electronic data via the links. The computer
network architecture defines the design of these physical and logical
components. It provides the specifications for the network’s physical
components, functional organization, protocols, and procedures.

What do computer networks do?


Computer networks were first created in the late 1950s for use in the military
and defense. They were initially used to transmit data over telephone lines and
had limited commercial and scientific applications. With the advent of internet
technologies, a computer network has become indispensable for enterprises.

Modern-day network solutions deliver more than connectivity. They are critical
for the digital transformation and success of businesses today. Underlying
network capabilities have become more programmable, automated, and secure.

Modern computer networks can:

Operate virtually

The underlying physical network infrastructure can be logically partitioned to


create multiple "overlay" networks. In an overlay computer network, the nodes
are virtually linked, and data can be transmitted between them through multiple
physical paths. For example, many enterprise networks are overlaid on the
internet.
Integrate on a large scale

Modern networking services connect physically distributed computer networks.


These services can optimize network functions through automation and
monitoring to create one large-scale, high-performance network. Network
services can be scaled up or down based on demand.

Respond quickly to changing conditions

Many computer networks are software-defined. Traffic can be routed and


controlled centrally using a digital interface. These computer networks support
virtual traffic management.

Provide data security

All networking solutions come with in-built security features like encryption and
access control. Third-party solutions like antivirus software, firewalls, and
antimalware can be integrated to make the network more secure.

What are the types of computer network


architecture?
Computer network design falls under two broad categories:

1. Client-server architecture

In this type of computer network, nodes may be servers or clients. Server nodes
provide resources like memory, processing power, or data to client nodes. Server
nodes may also manage client node behavior. Clients may communicate with
each other, but they do not share resources. For example, some computer
devices in enterprise networks store data and configuration settings. These
devices are the servers in the network. Clients may access this data by making a
request to the server machine.

2. Peer-to-peer architecture

In Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture, connected computers have equal powers and


privileges. There is no central server for coordination. Each device in the
computer network can act as either client or server. Each peer may share some
of its resources, like memory and processing power, with the entire computer
network. For example, some companies use P2P architecture to host memory-
consuming applications, such as 3-D graphic rendering, across multiple digital
devices.
What is network topology?
The arrangement of nodes and links is called network topology. They can be
configured in different ways to get different outcomes. Some types of network
topologies are:

Bus topology

Each node is linked to one other node only. Data transmission over the network
connections occurs in one direction.

Ring topology

Each node is linked to two other nodes, forming a ring. Data can flow bi-
directionally. However,single node failure can bring down the entire network.

Star topology

A central server node is linked to multiple client network devices. This topology
performs better as data doesn’t have to go through each node. It is also more
reliable.

Mesh topology

Every node is connected to many other nodes. In a full mesh topology, every
node is connected to every other node in the network.

What are the types of enterprise computer


networks?
Depending on the organization's size and requirements, there are three common
types of enterprise private networks:

Local area network (LAN)

A LAN is an interconnected system limited in size and geography. It typically


connects computers and devices within a single office or building. It is used by
small companies or as a test network for small-scale prototyping.

Wide area networks (WAN)


An enterprise network spanning buildings, cities, and even countries, is called a
wide area network (WAN). While local area networks are used to transmit data at
higher speeds within close proximity, WANs are set up for long-distance
communication that is secure and dependable.

SD-WAN or software-defined WAN is virtual WAN architecture controlled by


software technologies. An SD-WAN offers more flexible and dependable
connectivity services that can be controlled at the application level without
sacrificing security and quality of service.

Service provider networks

Service provider networks allow customers to lease network capacity and


functionality from the provider. Network service providers may consist of
telecommunications companies, data carriers, wireless communications
providers, Internet service providers, and cable television operators offering
high-speed Internet access.

Cloud networks

Conceptually, a cloud network can be seen as a WAN with its infrastructure


delivered by a cloud-based service. Some or all of an organization’s network
capabilities and resources are hosted in a public or private cloud platform and
made available on demand. These network resources can include virtual routers,
firewalls, bandwidth, and network management software,with other tools and
functions available as required.

Businesses today use cloud networks to accelerate time-to-market, increase


scale, and manage costs effectively. The cloud network model has become the
standard approach for building and delivering applications for modern
enterprises.

What are AWS computer networking services?


AWS networking services are designed to provide enterprises with:

Network security

AWS infrastructure is monitored 24/7 to help ensure confidentiality and integrity


and to meet the highest global network security standards.

Network availability
AWS has the global infrastructure required to deliver high availability anywhere
in the world.

Network performance

AWS network services deliver high-speed performance with minimal lag time.

How to use AWS networking services?


AWS networking services are available for the following use cases:

Networking foundations

These services offer solutions for Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and for linking
on-premise networks with VPCs. Amazon VPC, AWS transit gateway, and AWS
private link provide optimized solutions to meet your networking requirements.

Network security

Services like AWS shield, AWS WAF, and AWS firewall manager protect your
AWS cloud network and applications against cyber-attacks.

You might also like