A computer network is a system that interconnects one or more computers to allow sharing of data, resources, and services. Computer networking is mainly used to establish a connection between two or more devices.
Types of Computer Networks:
- LAN (Local Area Network): A network with limited scope. Use within a building or company. Eg: Office, Home.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Extends over a wide area. The Internet is an example. Connected through telecommunication services.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): An intra-city network. Town level connectivity. Eg: Cable TV network.
- PAN (Personal Area Network): Connection between individual’s own devices. Eg: smartphone and laptop connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Uses of computer network:
- Data Sharing: To share files, documents, and data.
- Sharing of wealth: Devices like printer, scanner etc can be shared.
- Message Exchange: Through email, chat applications.
- Centralized Management: Computers are easy to manage and maintain. Tools used in networking:
- Router: Used to send packets from one network to another network.
- Switch: Sends data to valid devices on the same network.
- Hub: Broadcasts data to all devices.
- Cables and Wireless Devices: Fiber Optic, Twisted Pair, Coaxial Cable, WiFi etc. Major Protocols: TCP/IP: Internet Backbone. HTTP/HTTPS: Web Browsing. FTP: File Transfer. SMTP/IMAP: Email service. Computer networking science is a vastly growing field, and its role is extremely important in today’s digital age.
