BASIC CONCEPTS OF NETWORKINDEX SRR ere 0 Definition & applications of computer network co Components of computer network co Network benefits o Disadvantages of computer network o Classification by their geographical area a Network classification by their component role 0 Types of serversDEFINTION & APPLICATIONS a o DEFINTION: A computer network is defined as the interconnection of two or more computers. It is done to enable the computers to communicate and share available resources. co APPLICATIONS: t Sharing of resources such as printers i. Sharing of expensive software's and database iii, Communication from one computer to another computer iv. Exchange of data and information among users via network v. Sharing of information over geographically wide areas.COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER NETWORK > Two or more computers > Cables as links between the computers > Anetwork interfacing card(NIC) on each computer > Switches > Software called operating system(OS)NETWORK BENEFITS BS in co The network provided to the users can be divided into two categories: i. Sharing i, ConnectivitySHARING RESOURCES Ss CO Types of resources are: 1. Hardware: A network allows users to share many hardware devices such as printers ,» modems, fax machines, CD ROM, players, etc. 2. Software: sharing software resources reduces the cost of software installation, saves space on hard disk.OTHER BENEFITS OF COMPUTER NETWORK | ° ° ° Increased speed Reduced cost Improved security o Centralized software managements o Electronic mail Flexible accessDISDAVATAGES OF NETWORKS | ne o High cost of installation o Requires time for administration o Failure of server o Cable faultsCLASSIFICATION OF AREA BY _ THEIR GEOGRAPHY Types of Computer Network J LAN MAN WANLOCAL AREA NETWORK(LAN) __ o LAN is a network which is designed to operate over a small physical area such as an office, factory or a group of buildings. o LAN’s are easy to design and troubleshoot o Exchange of information and sharing of resources becomes easy because of LAN. co In LAN all machines are connected to a single cable. o Different types of topologies such as star, tree, bus, ring, etc Can be used co Itis usually a privately owned network.WIDE AREA NETWORK(WAN) SRR creer co When network spans over a large distance or when the computers to be connected to each other are at widely separated locations a local area network cannot be used. A wide area network(WAN) is installed. 0 The communication between different users of WAN is established using leased telephone lines, satellite links and similar channels. oc Itis cheaper and more efficient to use the phone network for the link. co Most WAN networks are used to transfer large blocks of data between its users.METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK(MAN) Sr 0 Itis in between LAN & WAN technology that covers the entire city. co It uses similar technology as LAN. c It can be a single network such as cable TV network, or a measure of connecting a number of LAN’s o a large network so that resources can be shared LAN to LAN as well as device to device.DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LAN,WAN,MAN a CC Ownership of slat Private Private or public Private or public Geographical eecere Paes Small Very large Moderate Design and peewee Easy Not easy Not easy Coaxial cables, Communication PSTN or satellite PSTN, optical medium Remmoterte links fibre, cables, wireless Bandwidth Low High moderate