Complete guide on IT & Networking
Computers & the Internet have drastically transformed the entire world & our daily lifestyle extremely magnificently over the past few years. A few years ago, when we desired to do a very long distance trunk call to close ones, the only option we had that time was to go through several tedious processes which was very time-consuming.
The above-mentioned procedure was on the steeper side as well that everyone could not afford. However, nowadays things have become quite easier for us as various sophisticated technologies have been inventing now. Presently, we just need to click a small button to make a call which is a matter of a fraction of seconds.
Besides making calls, we can also send texts as well as video messages very easily whenever we want through Smartphone, internet & computers. However, the crucial factor that is present behind this sophisticated technology is one & only Computer Networks. Computer Networks are basically a set of nodes that are connected by media links.
Now, the question that will come to your mind that is what is a node. Well, a node can be any device such as computer, modem, or printer which must be capable of sending or receiving data that will generate by other nodes over the network.
We will discuss in detail the computer network & types of computer networks in the upcoming sections of this blog.
What is a Computer Network?
A Computer Network accumulates two or more computers that are connected either by the use of cables (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless). It is solely done for the primary purpose of transmitting, exchanging or sharing data & resources. You can build a computer network with the help of hardware (routers, switches, access points, & cables) & software (operating systems or business applications).
Computer networks are very often defined by geographic locations. For instance, a LAN (Local Area Network) helps in connecting computers in a determined physical space, such as an office building where a WAN (wide area network) can easily connect computers through continents. The greatest example of WAN is the internet that is hugely contributing to connecting billions of computers across the globe. These days it networking courses have become the most preferred courses among the students.
Furthermore, you can also define a computer network with the help of protocols that it generally uses to intercommunicate, the physical arrangement of its several components, the way it controls traffic, & it’s essential purpose.
In addition, computer networks are extremely beneficial to enable communication for every type of business, entertainment, & research purpose. Computer networks are playing significant roles to effectively enable the internet, online search, email, audio & video sharing, online commerce, live-streaming, & social networks.
Types of Computer Network
Enlisted below, some of the most common & largely used computer network types:
· LAN (Local Area Network): A LAN is playing a vital role in connecting computers over a short distance. LAN allows them to share important data, files, & resources. A LAN can easily connect all the computers in a school or office building.
· WLAN (Wide Area Network): Just like a LAN a WLAN also connects computers however; connections between computers on the network are completely made wirelessly.
· WAN (Wide Area Network): A the name suggests, a WAN connects devices over a wide area like from one region to another or from one continent to other. The internet is determined as the largest WAN, that connects billions of computers worldwide.
· MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): MANs are usually larger than LANs but smaller than WANs.