What are the uses of network?
A network set up by connecting two or more computers and other supporting hardware devices through communication channels is called a computer network. It enables computers to communicate with each other and to share commands, data, etc., including the hardware and software resources. Show
Uses of Computer Network:
Popular Computer Networks:
Local Area Network (LAN):As the name suggests, the local area network is a computer network that operates in a small area, i.e., it connects computers in a small geographical area like within an office, company, school, or any other organization. So, it exists within a specific area, e.g. home network, office network, school network, etc. A local area network may be a wired or wireless network or a combination of both. The devices in a LAN are generally connected using an Ethernet cable, which offers an interface to connect multiple devices like router, switches, and computers. For example, using a single router, few Ethernet cables, and computers, you can create a LAN at your home, office, etc. In this network, one computer may act as a server and other computers, which are part of the network, may serve as clients. Topologies of LAN:Topology: It refers to the arrangement of computers (nodes) in a computer network. The main topologies of a local area network are as follows: Ring Topology: As the name suggests, in a ring topology, the computers are connected in a circular and closed loop. The message in this topology moves only in one direction around the ring from one node to another node and is checked by each node for a matching destination address. So, the data keeps moving until it reaches its destination. All nodes are equal; a client-server relationship does not exist between them. As the nodes are in the form of a ring, if one node fails to transmit the data, the flow of communication is severed. Star Topology:In this topology, all the computers are separately connected to a central node or connection point, which can be a server, a hub, a router, or a switch. This topology offers an advantage that if a cable does not work, only the respective node will suffer, the rest of the nodes will work smoothly. All data or messages that one node sends to another passes through the central hub. This topology is easy to design and implement as well as it is easy to add additional nodes to the central node. The major drawback of this topology is that it is prone to bottleneck or failure at the central connection point, i.e., failure at the central node will affect the entire communication. Bus Topology:In this arrangement, the nodes (computers) are connected through interface connectors to a single communication line (central cable) that carries the message in both the directions. The central cable to which all the nodes are connected is the backbone of the network. It is called a bus. The signal in this arrangement travels in both directions to all the machines until it finds the recipient machine. It is easy to set up than other topologies as it uses only a single central cable to establish the network. Benefits of LAN:
Primary Functions of LAN:
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):MAN is a high-speed network that spreads over a large geographical area such as a metro city or town. It is set up by connecting the local area networks using routers and local telephone exchange lines. It can be operated by a private company, or it may be a service provided by a company such as a local telephone company. MAN is ideal for the people of a relatively large area who want to share data or information. It provides fast communication via high-speed carriers or transmission media such as copper, fiber optics, and microwaves. The commonly used protocols for MAN are X.25, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), and more. The area covered by MAN is larger than the LAN but smaller than a WAN. Its network ranges from 5 to 50 km. Furthermore, it also provides uplinks for connecting LANs to WANs and the internet. An organization can use a MAN to connect all of its LANs located at its different offices across the city. Examples of MAN:
Advantages of MAN:
Wide Area Network (WAN):WAN extends over a large geographical area. It is not confined within an office, school, city, or town and is mainly set up by telephone lines, fiber optic, or satellite links. It is mostly used by big organizations like banks and multinational companies to communicate with their branches and customers across the world. Although it is structurally similar to MAN, it is different from MAN in terms of its range, e.g., MAN covers up to 50 Kms, whereas WAM covers distances larger than 50 Km, e.g., 1000km or more. A WAN works by using TCP/IP protocol in combination with networking devices such as switches, routers, firewalls, and modems. It does not connect individual computers; rather, they are designed to link small networks like LANs and MANs to create a large network. The internet is considered the largest WAN in the world as it connects various LANs and MANs through ISPs. The computers are connected to the wide area network through public networks, such as telephone systems, leased lines or satellites. The users of a WAN do not own the network as it is a large setup connecting the remote computer systems. However, they are required to subscribe to a service provided by a telecommunication provider to use this network. Advantages of a WAN:
Examples of WAN:Internet Visit for: Computer Network Tutorial What is network and its use?Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies.
What are the four uses of computer network?Computer Network provides several uses, both to organizations and individual users.. Resource Sharing. ... . Simultaneous Access. ... . High Reliability due to Alternative Sources of Records. ... . Cost Reduction. ... . Provide Communication Medium. ... . Access to Remote Information. ... . Person-to-Person Communication.. Which is the most important uses of network?Resource sharing is one of the most important reasons for setting up any network. As more devices connect to each other, they can share more files, data and software among each other. Secure data storage. Network data is stored in a centralized location that all connected devices can access.
How network is useful to us?Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships. Networking can take place in a group or one-on-one setting.
|