Note for Computer Network - CN By Ashish KJha
- Computer Network - CN
- Note
- Tribhuvan University - TU
- Computer Science Engineering
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Computer Network | Prepared by: Ashish Kr. Jha Chapter 1 Introduction to computer Network The concept of Network is not new. In simple terms it means an interconnected set of some objects. For decades we are familiar with the Radio, Television, railway, Highway, Bank and other types of networks. In recent years, the network that is making significant impact in our day-to-day life is the Computer network. By computer network we mean an interconnected set of autonomous computers. The term autonomous implies that the computers can function independent of others. However, these computers can exchange information with each other through the communication network system. Computer networks have emerged as a result of the convergence of two technologies of this century- Computer and Communication as shown in Fig. 1.1. The consequence of this revolutionary merger is the emergence of an integrated system that transmit all types of data and information. There is no fundamental difference between data communications and data processing and there are no fundamental differences among data, voice and video communications. Figure 1.1: Evolution of Network 1. Definition: A computer network is a set of connected computers. Computers on a network are called nodes. The connection between computers can be done via cabling, most commonly the Ethernet cable, or wirelessly through radio waves. Connected computers can share resources, like access to the Internet, printers, file servers, and others. A network is a multipurpose connection, which allows a single computer to do more. [1]
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Computer Network | Prepared by: Ashish Kr. Jha A computer network, or data network, is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes to share resources. In computer networks, computing devices exchange data with each other using connections (data links) between nodes. These data links are Established over cable media such as wires or optic cables, or wireless media such as WiFi. Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other. In most cases, application-specific communications protocols are layered (i.e. carried as payload) over other more general communications protocols. This formidable collection of information technology requires skilled network management to keep it all running reliably. Computer networks support an enormous number of applications and services such as access to the World Wide Web, digital video, digital audio, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant messaging applications as well as many others. Computer networks differ in the transmission medium used to carry their signals, communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's size, topology, traffic control mechanism and organizational intent. The best-known computer network is the Internet. Advantages of Computer Networking 1. It enhances communication and availability of information. Networking, especially with full access to the web, allows ways of communication that would simply be impossible before it was developed. Instant messaging can now allow users to talk in real time and send files to other people wherever they are in the world, which is a huge boon for businesses. Also, it allows access to a vast amount of useful information, including traditional reference materials and timely facts, such as news and current events. 2. It allows for more convenient resource sharing. This benefit is very important, particularly for larger companies that really need to produce huge numbers of resources to be shared to all the people. Since the technology involves computer-based work, it is assured that the resources they wanted to get across would be completely shared by connecting to a computer network which their audience is also using. 3. It makes file sharing easier. Computer networking allows easier accessibility for people to share their files, which greatly helps them with saving more time and effort, since they could do file sharing more accordingly and effectively. 4. It is highly flexible. [2]
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Computer Network | Prepared by: Ashish Kr. Jha This technology is known to be very flexible, as it gives users the opportunity to explore everything about essential things, such as software without affecting their functionality. Plus, people will have the accessibility to all information they need to get and share. 5. It is an inexpensive system. Installing networking software on your device would not cost too much, as you are assured that it lasts and can effectively share information to your peers. Also, there is no need to change the software regularly, as mostly it is not required to do so. 6. It increases cost efficiency. With computer networking, you can use a lot of software products available on the market which can just be stored or installed in your system or server, and can then be used by various workstations. 7. It boosts storage capacity. Since you are going to share information, files and resources to other people, you have to ensure all data and content are properly stored in the system. With this networking technology, you can do all of this without any hassle, while having all the space you need for storage. Disadvantages of Computer Networking 1. It lacks independence. Computer networking involves a process that is operated using computers, so people will be relying more of computer work, instead of exerting an effort for their tasks at hand. Aside from this, they will be dependent on the main file server, which means that, if it breaks down, the system would become useless, making users idle. 2. It poses security difficulties. Because there would be a huge number of people who would be using a computer network to get and share some of their files and resources, a certain user’s security would be always at risk. There might even be illegal activities that would occur, which you need to be careful about and aware of. 3. It lacks robustness. As previously stated, if a computer network’s main server breaks down, the entire system would become useless. Also, if it has a bridging device or a central linking server that fails, the entire network would also come to a standstill. To deal with these problems, huge networks should have a powerful computer to serve as file server to make setting up and maintaining the network easier. 4. It allows for more presence of computer viruses and malware. There would be instances that stored files are corrupt due to computer viruses. Thus, network administrators should conduct regular check-ups on the system, and the stored files at the same time. [3]
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Computer Network | Prepared by: Ashish Kr. Jha 5. Its light policing usage promotes negative acts. It has been observed that providing users with internet connectivity has fostered undesirable behavior among them. Considering that the web is a minefield of distractions—online games, humor sites and even porn sites—workers could be tempted during their work hours. The huge network of machines could also encourage them to engage in illicit practices, such as instant messaging and file sharing, instead of working on work-related matters. While many organizations draw up certain policies on this, they have proven difficult to enforce and even engendered resentment from employees. 6. It requires an efficient handler. For a computer network to work efficiently and optimally, it requires high technical skills and know-how of its operations and administration. A person just having basic skills cannot do this job. Take note that the responsibility to handle such a system is high, as allotting permissions and passwords can be daunting. Similarly, network configuration and connection is very tedious and cannot be done by an average technician who does not have advanced knowledge. 7. It requires an expensive set-up. Though computer networks are said to be an inexpensive system when it is already running, its initial set up cost can still be high depending on the number of computers to be connected. Expensive devices, such as routers, switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the cost. Aside from these, it would also need network interface cards (NICs) for workstations in case they are not built in. Applications In a short period of time computer networks have become an indispensable part of business, industry, entertainment as well as a common-man's life. These applications have changed tremendously from time and the motivation for building these networks are all essentially economic and technological. Initially, computer network was developed for defense purpose, to have a secure communication network that can even withstand a nuclear attack. After a decade or so, companies, in various fields, started using computer networks for keeping track of inventories, monitor productivity, communication between their different branches offices located at different locations. For example, Railways started using computer networks by connecting their nationwide reservation counters to provide the facility of reservation and enquiry from anywhere across the country. And now after almost two decades, computer networks have entered a new dimension; they are now an integral part of the society and people. In 1990s, computer network started delivering services to private individuals at home. These services and motivation for using them are quite different. Some of the services are access to remote information, person-person communication, and interactive entertainment. So, some of the applications of computer networks that we can see around us today are as follows: [4]
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