What is Computer Networking?
Computer networking is a group of inter-connected systems that share services and interact with each other through a common communication line. Networking has made life very easy for people in their professions and in society, allowing separate computers, printers, and scanners to be linked together to aid communication.
Advantages of Computer Networks
- Sharing of peripheral devices such as printers and scanners (resources).
- Providing internet services across the entire network.
- Allowing users to share programs and data with one another.
- Permitting security of information — data can be backed up or duplicated on a network storage device so it can be retrieved after an accident.
- Encouraging users to communicate instantly (live) with one another.
Disadvantages of Computer Networks
- Network computers are usually slower than a single computer.
- Users must follow the same rules for storing and naming files (protocols).
- Security difficulties, since many people share files and resources.
- Presence of computer viruses and other malware.
- Lack of independence, as people rely more on the computer than on their own effort.
Types of Networks
- PAN (Personal Area Network): organized around an individual within a single building, such as a small office or residence. Devices include personal computers, printers, fax machines, PDAs, telephones, scanners and game consoles. When shared by multiple individuals in a residence, it is sometimes called a HAN (Home Area Network).
- LAN (Local Area Network): connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building. Each device is called a node, usually connected via cables. A fully wireless LAN is called a WLAN.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): covers a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city, connecting LANs together. It is typically owned and operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): covers a large distance for communication between computers, connecting networks across a city, state, or country. The internet is the biggest example of a WAN, using high-speed telephone lines, microwave links, satellite links, or a combination of all three. WANs are used mainly by universities, research centres, companies and banks.
