Network

Basic Concept of Network


What is Network?

Network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communication devices and transmission media 

Computer Communications

Computer communications is a process in which two or more computers or devices transfer data, instructions, and information. Some communications involves cables and wires; others are sent wirelessly through the air.

Communications System

A Sending device that initiates an instruction to transmit data, instructions, or information.
A communication device that connects the sending device to a communications channel.
A communications channel, or transmission media on which the data, instructions, or information travel.
A communications device that connects the communications channel to a receiving device.
A receiving device that accepts the transmission of data, instructions, or information.

Advantages Using Network

Facilitating Communications
Using a network, people communicate efficiently and easily via e-mail, instant messaging and chat rooms.

Sharing Hardware
In a networked environment, each computer on the network can have access to all hardware on the network.

Sharing Data and Information
In a networked environment, any authorized computer user can access data and information stored on other computers on the network.

Sharing Software
Users connected to a network have access to software on the network.

Transferring Funds
Called electronic fund transfer (EFT), it allows users connected to a network to transfer money from one back account to another via transmission media.

Disadvantages of Using a Network

Viruses
When computers are connected by a network, the virus can spread itself electronically, at computer speed.

Network Failure
If the file server fails then no-one on the network can access any files or folders. This means that nobody can do any work. For an organisation, this would be extremely costly and disruptive.

Slow Service
As more users log onto the network and requests files, sends things to be printed and open more software applications, the network can start to slow down.

Cost
Every workcard to enable it to be connected to the network. Other hardware such as hubs, switches and routers are often needed.

Expert Support Required
Networks need constant monitoring to ensure that the performance is maintained and that all of the components are working properly. This requires specialist staff such as network managers and technicians who will spend all of their time ensuring that the network works efficiently whenever you need to use it. These staff add a large cost to running a network, but without them, things would start to fail.