COMPUTER NETWORK
Computer Network:- it is a collection of interconnected autonomous computing
devices for the purpose of exchanging information and sharing resources like
printer, scanner etc.,
Components of computer network:-
1 hosts/nodes:-Node is a computer, which is a part of network.
2. Server:- The server is that computer in the network which supplies
files/folders/information to all clients who seek information. It also facilitates the
sharing of hardware resources like printer, scanner etc., Some networks can have
more than one server and each server is identified with unique address.
3. Client:-Client computer is that computer which makes a query/request for files
and gets the information from the server.
4. Network hardware:-This includes so many hardware components like cables,
modem, gateway, hub, switch for the purpose of establishing connections and to
make the network happen between all devices connected together.
5. communication channel:-communication channels can be wired or wireless In
the wired communication channels hosts are connected with one another through
guided media twisted, coaxial or optic cables
In wireless communication channel hosts are connected with one another through
unguided media like radio waves, satellite etc., Examples are microwave, radio
wave, satellite, laser, infrared etc.,
6. software:- it includes all various kinds of protocols which include set of rules
required for smooth functioning of network .
network operating system which can handle all networking tasks.
7.Network Services:-these services refer to the applications that provide different
functionalities over a network such DNS, Voice over internet protocol and file
sharing protocol etc.,
Based on Geographical distance network computers in the network operation,
there can be three types of computer networks:
1) Local Area Network 2)Wide Area Network 3)Metropolitan Area Network
Local Area Network:-Computer networks confined to limited area (1 KM) are
known as Local Area Network. Use of Resources is the main purpose of LAN.
LAN users can share data, printers, hard disks, programs, modem etc.,
Metropolitan Area Network:-This kind of network spread over a city. This
purpose is to share both hardware and software resources.
Wide Area Network:-The networks spread across countries are knows as WANs.
It facilitates exchange data at cheap rates with high speed. Internet is an example
of largest WAN.
Based on role played by network computers in the network operation, there
can be two types of computer networks:
1. Peer to peer networks
2. Client server networks
Peer to peer network:-
1. They are used in small companies.
2. They are inexpensive
3. Each computer can play the role of server or client.
4. The servers are non dedicated servers since it is not completed dedicated
to the job of serving.
Client server Network:-
1. They are also called master slave networks.
2. Servers are dedicated to serve the client’s request.
3. Web browser is the client which makes a request to the server.
