Introduction to computer network

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Introduction 

A group of computers and peripherals connected together by telecommunications links to enable a group of users to share and exchange information. It is a collection of nodes (essentially devices that can produce, process and consume digital information or devices that have digital information that they can share) connected by a media in such a way that the nodes can share information among themselves. 

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Advantage of Computer Network:

• Perform file management tools: share files, transfer files, share application.
• Information sharing.
• Share peripheral devices such as printers, CD-ROM, scanners, fax modem, tape driver.
• Sharing resources i.e. hardware and software sharing.
• Send and receive emails.
• Data backup and recovery.
• Workgroup computing, flexible access and communication.

Network Function or Features 

Following are some of the importance functions that a network needs to perform. 

1.  Switching 
2.  Routing 
3.  Flow control 
4. Security 
5. Back-up
6. Accountability 
7. Failure Monitoring
8. Internetworking 

❖Switching: -

Switching is defined as the ability of a network to connect different channel attached to each node to each other. This is essential for moving the traffic from incoming channel desired outgoing channel.

❖Routing: - 

 Routing is defined as the ability of a network to select a path. 

❖Flow Control: - 

 Flow control is the control over the rate of traffic. It is necessary in order to reduce the network congestion.

 ❖Security: - 

Network security is defined as the ability of a network to disallow any unauthorized access to the network and the data travelling over it. We can make huge of password protection or use of data encryption and other physical security. 

❖Back-up: - 

 Back-up is the ability of a network to react to the component failures. Backup also includes sending to indicate failures or to route the traffic via some other path to avoid failed components. ❖Accountability: - 

 It is the ability of the network to keep track of who is actually using the network. 

❖Failure Monitoring: - 

It is ability of network to keep track of faulting &networking components.

 ❖Internetworking: - 

When two or more networks are connected, they are called internetwork or internet. Individual network is joined into internetworks by using networking devices like routers, gateways, switches & bridges. 

Application of Network

1. Marketing & Sales. 
2. Financial Service. 
3. Manufacturing.
4. Electronic Message
5. Tele conferencing (Real Time Multiple Communication). 
6. Resource Sharing.
7. Availability of Data. 

❖Marketing &Sales 

Used to collect, exchange &analyze data relating to customer needs & product development cycles. Example: - Teleshopping, Online services, e-commerce etc. 

❖Financial Service 

Financial Service like electronic fund transfer foreign currency exchange etc. 

❖Manufacturing 

Multiple users/workers can worker can work on a project simultaneously which leads faster production of materials. 

❖Electronic Messaging 

Email, Messenger, Hangout, etc. 

❖Tele conferencing (Real Time Multiple Communication) 

Video call, Audio call etc. This could be helpful in distant learning & telemedicine. 

❖Resource Sharing 

It allows all Programs, equipment and data available to anyone on the network irrespective of the physical location of the resource and the user. 

❖Availability of Data 

It provides high reliability by having alternative sources of data, so that the data is always replication of data and backup are used. 

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