Understanding Computer Networks: Types, Advantages, and Protocols
Understanding Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers that allows them to share resources (printers, disks, etc.) and information (programs and data).
Advantages of Using a Network
- Ability to share peripherals such as printers and fax machines.
- Ability to share information through databases.
- Elimination of scattered data on individual computers.
- Possibility of more comprehensive user control.
- Availability of faster and safer backups.
Types of Networks
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Extension includes a few feet and lets you connect devices via Bluetooth.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network’s extension covers at most a building. Most computer rooms and offices have a LAN.
Campus Area Network (CAN)
Such an extension spans several buildings in the same metropolitan area.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Its extension covers several buildings in the same metropolitan area.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Extension spans buildings in locations covering several provinces and even countries.
Network Components
A Network Interface Card (NIC), also called a network adapter, is one of the key elements in the physical part of a local area network.
Network Connection
Allows us to link your computer to an existing network or the Internet. Each network card installed on your computer will have a network connection.
Switch
A switch is a device that allows us to connect several network devices such as computers and printers, as well as create star topologies that are part of the network.
Network Protocols
A protocol is the set of rules that specify the data exchange and orders for communication between host computers and networked printers.
Common Protocols
- NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface): A simple and easy-to-use network protocol developed by Microsoft in the early nineties for Windows 95 and NT.
- IPX/SPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange): Originally designed by Novell for its NetWare local network. Microsoft incorporated it into its operating systems and also created a protocol compatible with these, called NWLink.
- TCP/IP: The protocol used by all computers that connect to the Internet to communicate with each other. It has five layers: implementation (level 5), transport (level 4), network (level 3), link (level 2), and physical (level 1).
IP Address
An IP address is a sequence of four numbers separated by dots, each of which can contain a value between 0 and 255, and uniquely identifies each computer within the network.
Wireless Networks
Wireless LAN (WLAN) are local area networks characterized by the transmission medium being the air, using the significant savings involved in cabling to interconnect multiple computers to form a network.
Types of Wireless Connections
- Infrared: Enables communication between two computers through infrared LEDs, requiring the sender and receiver to be in direct line of sight.
- Bluetooth: A technology that can wirelessly connect devices for personal use (mobile phones, PDAs, etc.), allowing integration of the device within a local area network and access to its memory as if it were a network resource.
- Wi-Fi: A wireless network system with the ability to connect host computers, printers, etc., to our network using air as a transmission medium.