When learning computer networking, this should be your first topic. A computer network is made up of four essential components. These components are End devices, Media, Protocols, and Networking devices. Let's discuss these components in detail. An end device is a device that sends or receives the data in the network.
There are several disciplines that a computer networking professional must know. These include computer engineering, computer science, telecommunication and IT. The tools of the trade include switches, routers and knowledge of access points. Basics of computer networking
Main types of network architecture There are two types of network architecture: peer-to-peer (P2P) and client/server. In P2P architecture, two or more computers are connected as “peers,” meaning they have equal power and privileges on the network. A P2P network does not require a central server for coordination.
The right networking solution can help your business grow and evolve. Not only does it allow staff to share information effortlessly, increasing productivity and efficiency, other benefits include cost-effectiveness, storage efficiency, flexibility, and data security.
A computer network is build up from several components. These components together makes it possible to transfer data from one device to another and makes smooth communication between two different devices.
A good network security system helps business reduce the risk of falling victim of data theft and sabotage. Network security helps protect your workstations from harmful spyware. It also ensures that shared data is kept secure.
Computer networks components comprise both physical parts as well as the software required for installing computer networks, both at organizations and at home. The hardware components are the server, client, peer, transmission medium, and connecting devices. The software components are operating system and protocols.
Computer network components are the major parts which are needed to install the software. Some important network components are NIC, switch, cable, hub, router, and modem. Depending on the type of network that we need to install, some network components can also be removed.
What makes network security so important? Computers and other devices connected to unsecured networks are highly vulnerable to external threats such as malware, ransomware and spyware attacks. A single attack can bring down the entire computer system of an organization and compromise your personal information.
Network security is important because it keeps sensitive data safe from cyber attacks and ensures that the network is usable and can be trusted. Network security management may involve a wide variety of security tools, for both hardware and software.
Computer security is important because it keeps your information protected. It's also important for your computer's overall health; proper computer security helps prevent viruses and malware, which allows programs to run quicker and smoother.
There are a number of topologies but the most common are bus, ring, star, and mesh: A bus network topology is when every network node is directly connected to a main cable. In a ring topology, nodes are connected in a loop, so each device has exactly two neighbors.
Network topology refers to how the nodes and links in a network are arranged. A network node is a device that can send, receive, store, or forward data. A network link connects nodes and may be either cabled or wireless links.
LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed.
For example, a LAN (local area network) connects computers in a defined physical space, like an office building, whereas a WAN (wide area network) can connect computers across continents. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide.
There are two types of network architecture: peer-to-peer (P2P) and client/server. In P2P architecture, two or more computers are connected as “peers,” meaning they have equal power and privileges on the network. A P2P network does not require a central server for coordination.
These connections allow devices in a network to communicate and share information and resources. Networks follow protocols, which define how communications are sent and received.
IP addresses are comparable to your mailing address, providing unique location information so that information can be delivered correctly. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs) provide the infrastructure that allows the transmission of packets of data or information over the internet.
The reason why computer networking is important is that it allows us to communicate with each other. Computer networks enable us to write documents, share files, and send emails to run entire business operations. Without computers and a stable internet connection, we wouldn’t be able to use any online services because there wouldn’t be any.
Now that you know what computer networking is and why it’s important, let’s get into how it works. When you think about computer networking, you might imagine something like this:
A computer network consists of several parts. Each part plays a specific role in helping the network function properly. When designing a computer network, you must consider these roles carefully. If you fail to design the network correctly, the result could be disastrous.
When choosing a network for your business, you need to consider several factors. Some of these factors include:
I hope this article answered the question, why is computer networking important in a way that was easy to understand. Just in case it wasn’t, here are some more reasons why computer networking is essential.
The hardwired MAC Addresses are on devices that can be connected to any physical network anywhere in the world. Today a lot of cloning happens in the world of technology and manufacturing. Clones are known to have identical MAC addresses as their originals.
The MAC (Media Access Control) addresses work along with IP addresses on a network device for communication. The device must have the necessary functioning hardware to communicate on the network. This communication is achieved by a NIC (Network Interface Card), a piece of hardware with a circuitry card.
The network to which devices are connected is governed by a networking protocol called the TCP/IP Protocol (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) from which IP addresses are derived. Many networks today, including those involving the World Wide Web (WWW), use the TCP/IP Protocol as the standard protocol by which connected devices are identified and communicate.
IP address identification therefore covers the entire Internet, down to every individual device. It serves to efficiently compartmentalize all devices around the world. If MAC addresses were to be used, network disruptions will be endless with address conflicts occurring worldwide due to cloned addresses.
The TCP/IP is the communication protocol comprising of digital message formats and rules that govern the management of message exchange over the Internet. It comprises of four abstraction layers namely: the Physical layer and the Data Link layer, the Network or the Internet layer, the Transport layer, and the Application layer (the highest).
IP Addresses are a series of numbers that are used by any remote node to identify a device within a network environment. They carry the complete addressing information to locate a device's network.
For computers to effectively communicate (send and receive data) over a network, their hardware (tangible physical components) and software (programs and applications) must function and be able to communicate with the corresponding hardware and software that govern the network.
The word “topology” comes from topos, which is Greek for «place». In computer networking, TOPOLOGY is the physical layout of computers, cables, switches, routers, and other components of a network. This term can also refer to the underlying network architecture, such as Ethernet or Token Ring.
OSI Model is a short name for the Open Systems Interconnection reference model for networking.
Network equipment includes a broad range of devices which can be classified as core network components that interconnect other network components, hybrid components which can be found in the core or border of a network, and hardware or software components that typically sit on the connection point of different networks.
Network Cabling is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs.
Wireless networking is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network ( LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building.
Communications protocols are a set of rules required to exchange information between computing systems. Like any spoken language, these protocols allow computers to understand each other.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default gateway. DHCP allows hosts to obtain required TCP/IP configuration information from a DHCP server.
A networking device works between the end devices. It controls and forwards the flow of data. Based on the functionalities, a networking device can be categorized in three types; forwarding device, connecting device and the securing device.
To build a network, at least two end devices are required. Broadly end devices are categorized in two types; server end device and client end device. Server end device is the device which provides data or service. Client end device is the device which receives the offered data or service from the server end device.
Subtypes are defined as the media standards. Two common media standards are the Ethernet and the IEEE802.11 or Wi-Fi standards. The Ethernet defines the standards for the wired media.
When learning computer networking, this should be your first topic. A computer is built from the four essential components; End devices, Media, Protocols and Networking devices. Let’s understand each of these components.
An end device is the device that sends or receives the data or service in the network. An end device might be a PC, Laptop, Smartphone or any other device that is capable of the sending and receiving data the data and connected with the network. To build a network, at least two end devices are required.
Based on how the end devices access each other, the network is categorized in two types; peer to peer network and clients/server network . In peer to peer network, all end devices have equal rights. In clients/server network, server decides which client will have what rights.
Protocols enable communication between two or more end devices. A protocol is a set of predefined rules that specifies standards for a particular stage or all stages of the communication. Following are the some common functions performed by the protocols. Initializing and terminating the communication process.
LAN is essential for resource sharing including file servers, printers and data storage . LAN hardware such as ethernet cables and hubs are affordable to acquire and maintain. Small LANs manage 2 or 3 computers while large LANs host thousands of servers. Internet connectivity can either be wired or wireless.
HAN is a type of IP based LAN which can be either wired or wireless. HAN is a broadband connection available to several users using a wired or wireless modem. It consists of shared devices like faxes, printers, scanners or data storages.
Computer networking is a massive boon to the communication landscape. Networking allows you to send and receive text messages and files in real time. Information is available and easy to access from any device. You only need a reliable internet connection.
Computer networks or data networks are chains of nodes linked by communication channels. The nodes receive, transmit and exchange data between endpoints. The data transmitted is in the form of voice or video traffic. How do you network two computers? Wired Ethernet cables or wireless radio waves connect the computers.
Depending on the connection, MAN can connect a single area or traverse several miles. MAN is a series of several LANs linked to create a greater network, also known as Campus Area Network (CAN) or Campus Networks.
Data servers expose your information to man-in-the-middle attacks and viruses. Employees can download and exchange corrupt files which expose your server to viruses and malware. Shared resources open doors of opportunities for security breaches. Hackers can easily snoop on your data.
Computer networks enable flexible operations. The data is not stored in a local server making it accessible with internet connectivity. You can access your data from any device. This enhances free movement while accessing your data wherever you may be.
Now these days, Due to the various importance of computer networks, we are getting more need for Computer network.
With the help of Computer networking, every user can access all data from the network without any boundation of place. For example – if you are doing any office work at your home such as filling tax files, and same time your boss can receive your file on the destination place without going physically to your home.
There are five basic components while using in transmission of computer network; such as –