What is network?

What is network?     

A network consists of two or more computer that is linked in order to share resources (such as printers & CDs).

Networks consist of the computers, wiring, and other devices, such as hubs, switches and routers that make up the network infrastructure. Some devices, such as network interface cards, serve as the computers connection to the network. Devices such as switches and routers provide traffic- control strategies for the network. All sorts of different technologies can actually be employed to move data from one place to another, including wires, radio waves, and even microwave technology.

Why do we network our computers?

There are some compelling reasons why someone with more than a couple computers would want to connect those computers into a network. What the network will actually be used for will, of course, vary depending on the needs of the person or organization creating the network. Networks can be used for simple tasks, such as sharing a printer, or they can be used for more advanced applications, such as complex point-of-sale system and worldwide video conferencing.

   All networks, whether big or small, are typically created so that users on the network can share resources and communicate. The list that follows breaks down some of the reasons for networking computers:

File sharing:Networking computers makes it very easy for the users on the network to share application files

Hardware sharing: Users can share devices such as printers, CD-ROM drives, and hard drives.

Program sharing: Applications such as spreadsheets and word processors can be run over the network.

User communication: Network allows users to take advantage of communication media such as electronic mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing.

Types of Network                    

1.    LAN (Local Area Network)

2.    WAN (Wide Area Network)

3.    MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

1.     LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN stands for Local Area Network.

A Local Area Network is network that is confined to a relatively small area. IT is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.

It's a group of computers which all belong to the same organization, and which are linked within a small geographic area using a network.

2.     WANs (Wide Area Network)

A Wide Area Network connects multiple LANs to one another over great geographic distances.

The speed available on a WAN varies depending on the cost of the connections (which increases with distance) and may be low.

A WAN spans a large geographic area, such as state, province or country. WANs often connect multiple smaller networks.

3.     MANs (Metropolitan Area Network)

A Metropolitan Area Networkconnects multiple geographically nearby LANs to one another (over an area of up to a few dozen kilometers) at high speeds. Thus, a MAN lets two remote nodes communicate as if they were part of the same local area network.