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computer network? - CS academy

 ? What is meant by a computer network

The term computer network refers to interconnected computing devices that exchange information and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communication protocols, to transmit information via physical or wireless technologies.







How does a computer network worK?

Nodes and links are the two basic building blocks of a computer network. A network node may be a data communication device (DCE), such as a modem, hub, or switch, or a data terminal device (DTE), such as two or more computers and printers. A link refers to a transport medium that connects two nodes. The links may be physical, such as cable wires or optical fibers, or free space used by wireless networks.


In an active computer network, nodes follow a set of rules or protocols that specify how electronic data is sent and received over links. The architecture of a computer network determines the design of these physical and logical components. It provides specifications for the network in terms of hardware components, functional organization, protocols and procedures.


What role do computer networks play?

Computer networks were first established in the late 1950s for use in military and defense purposes. They were initially used to transmit data over telephone lines, and had limited commercial and scientific applications. With the advancement of Internet technologies, the computer network has become indispensable for organizations.


Today's network solutions provide more than one means of communication. They have a critical role for digital transformation and business success today. Core network capabilities are now programmable, automated, and more secure than ever before.


Computer networks can do the following:


On by default

The underlying physical network infrastructure can logically break down to create multiple "overlapping" networks. In a superposed computer network, the nodes are virtually interconnected and data can be transferred between them through several physical paths. For example, many corporate networks are overlaid on the Internet.


widespread integration

Modern network services are physically connected to distributed computer networks. These services can improve network functionality through automation and monitoring to create a single network with high bandwidth and high performance. The range of network services can be expanded or reduced upon request.


Rapid response to changing circumstances

Many computer networks are programmatically defined. Data traffic can be directed and controlled centrally using a digital interface. These computer networks support normal traffic management.

Provide data security

All network solutions out there come with built-in security features, such as encryption and access control. Third-party solutions, such as antivirus, firewall, and anti-malware software, can be combined to make your network more secure.


What are the types of computer network architecture?

Computer network design is divided into two main parts:


1. Client-server architecture

In this type of computer network, the nodes may be in the form of a server or a client. Server nodes provide resources, such as memory, processing power, or data, to client nodes. Server nodes can also manage client node behavior. Multiple client-based devices can communicate with each other without sharing resources. For example, some computers in enterprise networks store data and configuration settings. These devices are servers in the network. Client-based machines can access this data by making a request to the server machine.


2. Peer-to-peer structure

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture, computers connected to a network have equal powers and equal privileges. There is no central server to coordinate them. Each device in a computer network can be either a client or a server. Each peer can share some of its resources, such as memory and processing power, with the entire computer network. For example, some companies use a P2P architecture to host memory-intensive applications, such as 3D graphics rendering, across multiple digital devices.


What is meant by network topography?

The arrangement of nodes and links is called network topography. These nodes and links can be configured in different ways to produce different results. Here are some types of network topography:


carrier topology

Each node is connected to one other node. Data transmission over network connections occurs in one direction.


Cyclic topology

Each node connects to two other nodes, thus forming a loop. Data can flow in two directions. However, a single node failure can bring down the entire network.


stellar topology

A central server node is associated with multiple client network devices. This topology has better performance, since the data does not have to travel through every node. It is also of higher reliability.


network topology

Each node is connected to multiple other nodes. In a complete network topology, each node communicates with every other node in the network.


? What are the types of corporate computer networks

Depending on the size and requirements of the organization, there are three common types of enterprise private networks:


Local area network (LAN)

LAN is a coherent system limited in size and geography. They usually connect computers and other devices within a single office or building. It is used by small companies or as a test network for small scale model builds.


wide area networks (WAN)

An enterprise network that spans buildings, cities, and countries is called a wide area network (WAN). Whereas LANs are used to transfer data at high speeds within close range, WANs are equipped for long-distance communications that are secure and reliable.


SD-WAN (or Software Defined WAN) is a WAN architecture

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