COMPUTER NETWORK
What is computer network?
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that share
resources and information. These devices can include computers,
servers, printers, and other hardware.
Networks allow for the efficient exchange of data, enabling various
applications such as email, file sharing, and internet browsing.
What do Computer Networks do?
Computer networks first developed in 1950 for military and defence
purpose. At that time they are mainly used to send data through telephone
lines and had limited use in business or science.
Today computer networks are essential for businesses also. Modern
networks offer more than just connecting devices. They play a key role in
helping businesses adapt to the digital world and succeed. These
networks have become more flexible, automated, and secure, making
them even more important in today’s business environment.
How Does a Computer Network Work?
Basics building blocks of a Computer network are Nodes and Links. A
Network Node can be illustrated as Equipment for Data Communication
like a Modem, Router, etc., or Equipment of a Data Terminal like
connecting two computers or more. Link in Computer Networks can be
defined as wires or cables or free space of wireless networks.
The working of Computer Networks can be simply defined as rules or
protocols which help in sending and receiving data via the links which
allow Computer networks to communicate. Each device has an IP
Address, that helps in identifying a device.
Why Use Computer Networks?
Computer network play a important role in modern life. Here are some key
benefits of computer networks:
Fast and Easy Communication: Networks enable all types of digital
communication, like emails, messaging, file sharing, video calls, and
streaming.
More Storage Space: Suppose if we don't have a cloud storage then
we have to store data in physical files that will consume a physical
space so computer network provide a storage for storing data.
Easier Sharing of Information: Networks make it simpler for users
and teams to share resources and information. Teams can
collaborate more easily, and users get faster response from network
devices.
Better Security: Well designed networks are more reliable and give
businesses more options for keeping data safe. They come with
built-in security features like encryption and access controls to
protect sensitive information from cyber threats.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of computer networking is essential in
today’s interconnected world. Networks enable the seamless exchange of
information, support countless applications, and underpin the functionality
of the internet. From different types of networks and their components to
protocols and security measures, a solid grasp of these concepts is
foundational for anyone working in or with technology. As technology
evolves, so too will the complexity and capabilities of computer networks,
making continuous learning and adaptation crucial.
Data Communication
Data communication is the transfer and flow of data from one place to another.
Learn all about how it works and careers in data communication.
Just like humans communicate in a variety of ways—by speaking, texting,
and emailing—data similarly transfers from one place to another using
different mediums. This process of moving electronic and digital data is
called data communication.
In this article, you'll learn about the basics of data communication, such as
types of data communication and networks, along with careers that typically
require an understanding of data communication.
What is data communication?
Data communication is the process of transferring data from one place to
another or between two locations. It allows electronic and digital data to
move between two networks, no matter where the two are located
geographically, what the data contains, or what format they are in.
A common example of data communication is connecting your laptop to a
Wi-Fi network. This action requires a wireless medium to send and receive
data from remote servers.
The type of data transmission demonstrates the direction in which the data
moves between the sender and receiver.
Simplex data transmission: Data is sent from sender to receiver
Half-duplex data transmission: Data can transmit both ways, but not
simultaneously
Full-duplex data transmission: Data can transmit both ways at the same
time
Full-duplex data transmission is the most common type found in computer
networks. You may be familiar with some of the ways you use computer
networks in your daily life, such as communicating through instant
messaging on Slack or video on Zoom or sharing files via tools like Apple’s
AirDrop.
Some different types of computer networks include:
Personal area network (PAN)
Local area network (LAN)
Campus area network (CAN)
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Wide area network (WAN)
These computer networks indicate the geographic coverage. LAN, for
example, refers to devices connected in a physical location, such as an
office or apartment building.
Components of data communication
A data communication system is comprised of the following:
1. Message: The data to be transmitted or communicated, which can include
numbers, text, photos, sound, or video.
2. Sender: The computer or device (e.g., phone, tablet) that sends the
message.
3. Receiver: The computer or device that receives the message, which can be
different from the sender.
4. Medium: The channel through which the message is carried from sender to
receiver, such as twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or
wireless.
5. Protocol: The set of rules that govern the communication between
computers. These rules are followed by both the sender and receiver.
Functions that a protocol performs
The protocol performs a variety of functions to carry out data
communication. Review these examples:
Data sequencing: Data sequencing breaks down a long message into
smaller chunks called packets. Rules of data sequencing define how these
packets of data are numbered to prevent losing or duplicating them.
Data routing: Data routing rules define the most efficient route between
sender and receiver.
Flow control: This protocol prevents a fast sender from overwhelming a
slower receiver by regulating the flow of data, like a traffic controller.
Error control: These types of rules detect errors in messages and reroute
messages to the correct receiver. Often, the message must be discarded by
the receiver and reissued by the sender.
Order of transmission: This set of rules makes sure all the network nodes
have access to the lines of communication based on priority (for example,
chronological order of sent messages).
Data communication vs. data transmission
Data transmission is the steps used to send data from one point to
another; it falls under the umbrella of data communication. Data
communication is a broader concept that also includes protocols and
error checking needed to ensure the data can be transferred
between the sender and receiver.
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