2. COMPUTER NETWORKING
• Computer networking refers to connected computing devices (such as laptops,
desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets) and an ever-expanding array of IoT
devices (such as cameras, door locks, doorbells, refrigerators, audio/visual systems,
thermostats, and various sensors) that communicate with one another.
• It is also an interconnection of multiple devices, also known as hosts, that are
connected using multiple paths for the purpose of sending/receiving data or media.
• A “computer network” is just a multitude of connected computers. This allows the
computers in the network to share data and resources with each other. An IT
technician can set up your computer network to work on a “peer-to-peer” basis.
3. IMPACT OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
Advantages
Resource Sharing: the main goal is to make all programs, equipment, and data available to anyone on
the network. People can find and share information and data because of networking.
Highreliability: goal of computer network is to provide high reliability by having alternative source
of supply, the presence of multiple CPUs means that, if one goes down, the other may be able to
take over it works, although at reduced performance.
Easycommunication: it is very easy to communicate through a network. Network provide a powerful
communication medium people can enjoy benefits of e-mails, instant messaging, video-conferencing
etc.
Speed : sharing and transferring files within networks is very rapid, depending on the type of
network. Thus will save time while maintaining the integrity of files.
Communication medium: network can provide a powerful communication medium among widely
separated users giving the virtual absence of geographical boundaries.
Hardware sharing : ability to share hardware. For an example, a printer can be shared among the users
in a network so that there’s no need to have individual printers for each and every computer in the
company. This will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing hardware.
4. Disadvantages
Crashes : when the server crashes, works get disrupted as all network
resources and its benefits are lost, the crash may result in the loss of day’s and
even months of crucial data and time.
Data security : there is danger of hacking. There are hackers who are trying to
steal valuable data of large companies for their own benefits
Privacy : a network also mean loss of privacy as anyone, especially your boss,
with the right network privileges may be in a position to rea your private e-
mails.
Cost benefits of computer networking
Storing information in one centralised database can also help you reduce costs and drive efficiency. For example:
staff can deal with more customers in less time since they have shared access to customer and product databases
you can centralise network administration, meaning less IT support is required
you can cut costs through sharing of peripherals and internet access
You can reduce errors and improve consistency by having all staff work from a single source of information. This
way, you can make standard versions of manuals and directories available to them, and back up data from a single point
on a scheduled basis, ensuring consistency.
5.
6.
7. Network devices, or networking hardware, are physical
devices that are required for communication and interaction
between hardware on a computer network.
Types of network devices
Here is the common network device list:
Hub
Switch
Router
Bridge
Gateway
Modem
Repeater
Network Devices
8. Hub
Hubs connect multiple computer networking devices
together. A hub also acts as a repeater in that it amplifies
signals that deteriorate after traveling long distances over
connecting cables.
Switch
Switches generally have a more intelligent role than hubs. A
switch is a multiport device that improves network
efficiency.
Router
Routers help transmit packets to their destinations by
charting a path through the sea of interconnected
networking devices using different network topologies.
Routers are intelligent devices, and they store information
about the networks they’re connected to.
Bridge
Bridges are used to connect two or more hosts or network
segments together. The basic role of bridges in network
architecture is storing and forwarding frames between the
different segments that the bridge connects.
9. Repeater
A repeater is an electronic device that amplifies the signal
it receives. A device which receives a signal and
retransmits it at a higher level or higher power so that the
signal can cover longer distances,
Gateway
Gateways normally work at the Transport and Session
layers of the OSI model. At the Transport layer and above,
there are numerous protocols and standards from different
vendors; gateways are used to deal with them.
Modem
Modems (modulators-demodulators) are used to transmit
digital signals over analog telephone lines. Thus, digital
signals are converted by the modem into analog signals of
different frequencies and transmitted to a modem at the
receiving location.
