What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a group of two or more interconnected computer systems. You can
establish a network connection using either cable or wireless media.

Every network involves hardware and software that connects computers and tools.

Table of Content:

• What is a Computer Network?

• Computer Network Components

• Unique Identifiers of Network

• Other Important Network Components

• Uses of Computer Networks

• Advantages of Computer Networking

• Disadvantages of Computer Networking

• Summary

Computer Network Components

Switches

Switches work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other hardware
devices to a network in a campus or a building.

It allows devices on your network to communicate with each other, as well as with other
networks. It helps you to share resources and reduce the costing of any organization.

Routers
Routers help you to connect with multiple networks. It enables you to share a single
internet connection with multiple devices and saves money. This networking component
acts as a dispatcher, which allows you to analyze data sent across a network. It
automatically selects the best route for data to travel and send it on its way.

Servers

Servers are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating system.
Servers allow access to network resources to all the users of the network.

Clients

Clients are computer devices which access and uses the network as well as shares
network resources. They are also users of the network, as they can send and receive
requests from the server.

Transmission Media

Transmission media is a carrier used to interconnect computers in a network, such as

Access points

Access points allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. A wireless
network allows you to bring new devices and provides flexible support to mobile users.

Shared Data

Shared data are data which is shared between the clients such as data files, printer access
programs, and email.

Network Interface Card

Network Interface card sends, receives data, and controls data flow between the computer
and the network.

Local Operating System

A local OS which helps personal computers to access files, print to a local printer and uses
one or more disk and CD drives which are located on the computer.

Network Operating System

The network operating system is a program which runs on computers and servers. It allows
the computers to communicate via network.
Protocol

A protocol is the set of defined rules that allows two entities to communicate across the
network. Some standard protocols used for this purpose are IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, etc.

Hub

Hub is a device that splits network connection into multiple computers. It acts a
distribution center so whenever a computer requests any information from a computer or
from the network it sends the request to the hub through a cable. The hub will receive the
request and transmit it to the entire network.

LAN Cable

Local Area Network(LAN) cable is also called as Ethernet or data cable. It is used for
connecting a device to the internet.

OSI

OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It is a reference model which allows you to
specify standards for communications.

Unique Identifiers of Network

Below given are some unique network identifiers:

Hostname

Every device of the network is associated with a unique device, which is called hostname.

IP Address

IP (Internet Protocol) address is as a unique identifier for each device on the Internet.
Length of the IP address is 32-bits. IPv6 address is 128 bits.

DNS Server

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a server which translates URL or web addresses
into their corresponding IP addresses.

MAC Address

MAC (Media Access Control Address) is known as a physical address is a unique identifier
of each host and is associated with the NIC (Network Interface Card). General length of
MAC address is : 12-digit/ 6 bytes/ 48 bits

Port
Port is a logical channel which allows network users to send or receive data to an
application. Every host can have multiple applications running. Each of these applications
are identified using the port number on which they are running.

Other Important Network Components

ARP

ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol which helps network users to convert the IP
address into its corresponding Physical Address.

RARP

Reverse Address Resolution Protocol gives an IP address of the device with given a physical
address as input.

Uses of Computer Networks

Here are some common application of computer networks

• Helps you to share resource such as printers

• Allows you to share expensive software’s and database among network participants

• Provides fast and effective communication from one computer to another computer

• Helps you to exchange data and information among users via a network.

Advantages of Computer Networking

Here are the fundamental benefits/pros of using Computer Networking:

• Helps you to connect with multiple computers together to send and receive
information when accessing the network.

• Helps you to share printers, scanners, and email.

• Helps you to share information at very fast speed

• Electronic communication is more efficient and less expensive than without the
network.

Disadvantages of Computer Networking

Here are drawbacks/ cons of using computer networks:

• Investment for hardware and software can be costly for initial set-up
 • If you don’t take proper security precautions like file encryption, firewalls then your
data will be at risk.

• Some components of the network design may not last for many years, and it will
become useless or malfunction and need to be replaced.

• Requires time for constant administration

• Frequent server failure and issues of regular cable faults

Summary

• A computer network is a group of two or more interconnected computer systems

• Computer networks help you to connect with multiple computers together to send
and receive information

• Switches work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other

• Routers help you to connect with multiple networks. It enables you to share a single
internet connection and saves money

• Servers are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating
system

• Clients are computer device which accesses and uses the network and shares
network resources

• Hub is a device that split a network connection into multiple computers.

• Access points allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables

• Network Interface card sends, receives data and controls data flow between the
computer and the network

• A protocol is the set of defined rules which that allows two entities to communicate
across the network

• Hostname, IP Address, DNS Server, and host are important unique identifiers of
computer networks.

• ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol

• RAR Reverse Address Resolution Protocol gives an IP address of the device with
given a physical address as input.
• Computer network helps you to share expensive software’s and database among
network participants

• The biggest drawback of installing computer network is that its initial investment for
hardware and software can be costly for initial set-up