Computer Networking

Computer Networking

In the simplest term network is a group of two or more computers interconnected by cable or some other media enabling them to share information and resources. With a network a large number of people can simultaneously work on different parts of the same database share information and resources. In a computer network multiple user can access the same information and connect the same resources.

A networking is a group of connected computers that allow people to share their resources (Hardware and Software) and information.

Advantages of Networking

Ø  It allows sharing of information held on disk drive and sharing resources such as disk storage, printer, scanner ect.

Ø  It is easier to store application programs on one computer and make them available to all users.

Ø  It allows electronic mail to be sent between users.

Ø  It is easier to setup new user and equipment.

Disadvantages of Networking             

Ø  User becomes dependent on them. Eg The Network file server developed of fault than many user will be unable to urn application program.

Ø  If the network stop operating than it may not be possible to access various hardware.

Ø  It is difficult to make system secured from hackers.

Ø  As traffic increases of a network the performance degrades. Unless it is properly designed.

A resource may be:

§  A file

§  A folder

§  A printer

§  A disk drive

§  Or just about anything else that exists on a computer.

A network is simply a collection of computers or other hardware devices that are connected together, either physically or logically, using special hardware and software, to allow them to exchange information and cooperate. Networking is the term that describes the processes involved in designing, implementing, upgrading, managing and otherwise working with networks and network technologies.

Network elements

Servers

Servers are the computers that provide the shared resources to network users. There is usually only one server in a small network, but bigger networks may have more than one server.

  Clients

Clients are the computers that can access the shared network resources provided by a server.

 Media

The computers in a network are connected to each other by hardware components, such as cables. These components are called the media.

 Shared data

A server provides shared resources and data over a network. The files that are provided by the server over the network are called shared data. This shared data can be a document, a worksheet or a folder.

Resources

Files, printers or other items that can be used by network users are known as resources. These resources can be either hardware or software resources.

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Advantages & Disadvantage of Networking.

Advantages of the computer Network

In most organizations, a network offers benefits, such as data sharing and online communication that are not provided by a stand-alone environment (An environment in which there is several computers that are not connected to each other is called a stand-alone environment.)

 Data sharing

The data can be easily sharable in a network so other user can access it at any time. For example, a user working in a team wants to share some data with the other team members. In a stand-alone environment, to share the data you can verbally exchanging information or writing memos or putting the data on a floppy and copying it to the machines of other members. If it network the data can be easily made sharable in a network so that the other team members can access.

A centralized data storage system enables multiple users to access data in different locations.

Resource sharing

Resource sharing is also an important benefit of a computer network. For example, if there are four people in a family, each having their own computer, they will require four modems (for the Internet connection) and four printers, if they want to use the resources at the same time. A computer network, on the other hand, provides a cheaper alternative by the provision of resource sharing.

In this way, all the four computers can be interconnected, using a network, and just one modem and printer can efficiently provide the services to all four members. The facility of shared folders can also be availed by family members.

 Centralized Software Management

One of the greatest benefits of installing a network is the fact that all of the software can be loaded on one computer (the file server). This eliminates that need to spend time and energy installing updates and tracking files on independent computers throughout the building.

Communication medium

A computer network can provide a powerful communication medium among people spread widely at different physical locations. It acts as a powerful communication medium when it comes to sharing information and resources.

 Data Security and Management

In a business environment, a network allows the administrators to much better manage the company's critical data. Instead of having this data spread over dozens or even hundreds of small computers in a haphazard fashion as their users create it, data can be centralized on shared servers. This makes it easy for everyone to find the data, makes it possible for the administrators to ensure that the data is regularly backed up, and also allows for the implementation of security measures to control who can read or change various pieces of critical information.

 Speed

Sharing and transferring files within Networks are very fast. Networks provide a very rapid method for sharing and transferring files. The sharing of data with the other users in a stand-alone environment requires physical transfer of data. This can be done by copying the data on a floppy disk or taking a printout. This requires more time and is inconvenient as compared to sharing the data over a network.

 Disadvantages of the computer Network

Ø  Expensive to Install

Although a network will generally save money over time, the initial costs of installation can be prohibitive. Cables, network cards, and software are expensive, and the installation may require the services of a technician.

Ø  Data Security

If a network is implemented properly, it is possible to greatly improve the security of important data. In contrast, a poorly secured network puts critical data at risk, exposing it to the potential problems associated with hackers, unauthorized access.

Ø  Cables May Break

One broken cable can stop the entire network.

Ø  File Server May Fail

Although a file server is no more susceptible to failure than any other computer, when the files server "goes down," the entire network may come to a halt. When this happens, the entire hospital may lose access to necessary programs and files.

Ø  Virus Infections

If any computer system in a network gets affected by computer virus, there is a possible threat of other systems getting affected too. Viruses get spread on a network easily because of the interconnectivity of workstations. Such spread can be dangerous if the computers have important database which can get corrupted by the virus.

 

Ø  File Server Fail down issues

For this we can have backup fail server. When the files server "goes down," then we can use the backup fail server. Having backup server we can overcome this problem. 

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