Unit V: Computer Network

Part1
 Network
• Definition:
Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that
can exchange data and share resources with each other.
 Hardware Components
• Servers −Servers are high-configuration computers that manage the resources of
the network. Servers can be of various kinds: file servers, database servers, print
servers etc.
• Clients − Clients are computers that request and receive service from the servers
to access and use the network resources.
• Peers − Peers are computers that provide as well as receive services from other
peers in a workgroup network.
• Transmission Media − Transmission media are the channels through which data
is transferred from one device to another in a network. Transmission media may
be guided media like coaxial cable, fibre optic cables etc; or maybe unguided
media like microwaves, infra-red waves etc.
• Connecting Devices − Connecting devices act as middleware between networks
or computers, by binding the network media together. Some of the common
connecting devices are:Routers, Bridges, Hubs, Repeaters, Gateways, Switches
 Software Components
• Networking Operating System − Network Operating Systems is
typically installed in the server and facilitate workstations in a network
to share files, database, applications, printers etc.
• Protocol − A protocol is a rule or guideline followed by each
computer for data communication.
 Need for Networking
Resource Sharing
• Resources can be programs, software or data and hardware equipment
that is available to anyone on the network without regard to physical
location of the resource and the user.
• Eg. Printing a document on shared network printer
High Reliability
High reliability is obtained by providing alternative resources of supply.
For example, all files could be replicated on two or three machines, so if
one of them is unavailable, the other copies could be available.
 Need for Networking (contd…)
Reduction of Effort and cost
• Like purchasing one network printer for 20 machines in the network instead
of buying each per machine saves cost.
• One mainframe computer or supercomputer can be shared by all the branch
offices of the organization can reduce cost.
Increase System performance
• Increase the system performance as the work load increases by just adding
more processors.
• With central mainframes, when the system is full, it must be replaced by a
larger one, usually at great expense and with even greater disruption to the
users.
 Need for Networking (contd…)
• Computer networks provide a powerful communication medium. A
file that was updated/modified on a network, can be seen by the other
users on the network immediately. Using a network, people can
communicate efficiently and easily via email, instant messaging, chat
rooms, telephone, video telephone calls and video conferencing.
 Advantages of Network
• File sharing - you can easily share data between different users, or access it
remotely if you keep it on other connected devices.
• Resource sharing - using network-connected peripheral devices like printers,
scanners and copiers, or sharing software between multiple users, saves money.
• Sharing a single internet connection - it is cost-efficient and can help protect
your systems if you properly secure the network.
• Increasing storage capacity - you can access files and multimedia, such as
images and music, which you store remotely on other machines or network-
attached storage devices.
• Reliability implies backing up information. Due to some reason equipment
crashes, and so on, the information gets undermined or inaccessible on one PC,
another duplicate of similar information is accessible on another workstation for
future use, which prompts smooth working and further handling without
interruption.
 Advantages of Network (contd…)
Better connectivity and communications
• It allows users to connect and communicate with each other easily.
Various communication applications included e-mail and groupware
are used. Through e-mail, members of a network can send message
and ensure safe delivery of data to other members, even in their
absence.
Internet access
• Computer networks provide internet service over the entire network.
Every single computer attached to the network can experience the high
speed internet.
 Advantages of Network (contd…)
Entertainment
• Many games and other means of entertainment are easily available on
the internet. Furthermore, Local Area Networks (LANs) offers and
facilitates other ways of enjoyments, such as many players are
connected through LAN and play a particular game with each other
from remote location.
Flexible access
• A user can log on to a computer anywhere on the network and access
his files. This offers flexibility to the user as to where he should be
during the course of his routine.
 Advantages of Network (contd…)
Instant and multiple access
• Many of users can access the same information at the same time.
Immediate commands such as printing commands can be made with
the help of computer networks.
 Disadvantages of Network
Lack of data security and privacy
• Because there would be a huge number of people who would be using
a computer network to get and share some of their files and resources,
a certain user’s security would be always at risk. There might even be
illegal activities that would occur, which you need to be careful about
and aware of.
Presence of computer viruses and malwares
• If even one computer on a network gets affected by a virus, there is a
possible threat for the other systems getting affected too. Viruses can
spread on a network easily, because of the interconnectivity of
workstations.
 Disadvantages of Network (contd…)
Lack of Independence
• Since most networks have a centralized server and dependent clients, the
client users lack any freedom whatsoever. Centralized decision making can
sometimes hinder how a client user wants to use his own computer.
Lack of Robustness
• As previously stated, if a computer network’s main server breaks down, the
entire system would become useless. Also, if it has a bridging device or a
central linking server that fails, the entire network would also come to a
standstill.
Need an efficient handler
• For a computer network to work efficiently and optimally, it requires high
technical skills and know-how of its operations and administration. A
person just having basic skills cannot do this job.