Computer Network (Part-2)

NETWORK USER

When your computer is a part of a network, where two or more computers are connected using a cable or some other communication channels, you can become a network user and can share files, folders, and computer hardware such as printers attached from one computer to other computers. These usual resources are referred to as local resources.

SERVER AND WORKSTATIONS

Powerful computers responsible for distributing files to network users are referred to as

servers. Other less powerful computers connected to a server are called workstations. Each

workstation contributes equally in the network and is often called peer.

TYPES OF NETWORK

There are many types of network: Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network

(MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Personal Area Network (PAN). Each one of these is

discussed below:

LAN (Local Area Network)

A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects the computers and the devices in a

limited geographical area, such as home, school computer laboratory, office building or closely

positioned group of buildings. These computers are usually within 100 to 300 meters away from each other.

If you have a home network with two or more computers, or if you are at your school where

more than 20 computers are connected to each other, then you are on a LAN. LAN (Local Area Network)

Each computer or device on the network is a node. Often, the nodes are connected to the

LAN via cables. LAN can either work with cables and hubs or wirelessly. A Wireless Local Area Network is also known as WLAN.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A wide area network (WAN) spans over a large geographical area, such as an entire city, region, or even an entire country or all over the world. Two or more LANs that are relatively far apart are typically connected by WAN so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations. The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

MAN is a network that connects the Local Area Networks in a metropolitan area such as a city

or a town. A MAN typically includes one or more LANs but covers a smaller geographical area

than a WAN. Telephone companies, cable television operators, and other organizations use

MAN network.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A personal area network (PAN) is a network that connects personal devices like laptop, smartphones, digital cameras, printers, etc. in an individual’s workspace using wired and wireless technology. A PAN may connect devices through a router using network cables or by

using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology. You can transfer files and songs from laptop to a smartphone using PAN.

NETWORK HARDWARE

Network hardware consists of physical devices used on a network. All networks need network hardware to function.

COMPUTER

The most important job of a network is to link computers together. When computers are linked, the people using the computers can work more efficiently. Computers connected to a network do not have to be the same type. For example, a network could contain desktop computers, such as IBM-compatible and Macintosh or portable computers, such as notebooks and Tablet PCs.

NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC)

An expansion card is used to provide network access to a computer or other device, such as a printer. Network interface cards mediate between the computer and the physical media such as cables over which data travels.

CONNECTOR

A connector is a device that joins two networks together. The most common connectors are:

HUB: A hub offers a central location where all the cables on a network meet. It allows you to

connect multiple computers to a single network. It also provides the connection for all the

computers on a network, so that they can exchange data. Many types of network structures are now using hubs as the primary method of connecting computers.

SWITCH: A switch is a device that provides a central point for cables in a network. A switch receives data from many directions and then forwards it to one or more destinations. A switch is considered more advanced than a hub because switch sends the data to a device that

needs or requests for it. Switches can be used in place of hubs.

ROUTER: A router is a device that connects multiple computers together and transmits data to its correct destination on a network through a process known as routing. A router acts as a junction between two or more networks like LAN and WAN to transfer data packets among them. For example, it is used to connect your home network (LAN) with the Internet (WAN).

CABLES

A network cable plugs into the NIC (Network Interface Card) at the back of each computer on the network. Information, shared files, and other network data travel through the network cables. A fiber metal or fiber-optic-cable is used to connect computers and other devices on a network. These cables are insulated with special material such as plastic or rubber.

RESOURCE

Any part of a computer system or a network such as a disk drive, printer, or memory that can be allotted to a program or a process, while it is running, is a resource.

Please Read The Next Part Also.