Computer Networking

 Computer Networking

    Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies.

Nodes and links are the basic building blocks in computer networking.

 A network node may be data communication equipment (DCE) such as a modem, hub or, switch, or data terminal equipment (DTE) such as two or more computers and printers. 

A link refers to the transmission media connecting two nodes. Links may be physical, like cable wires or optical fibers, or free space used by wireless networks.

    In a working computer network, nodes follow a set of rules or protocols that define how to send and receive electronic data via the links. The computer network architecture defines the design of these physical and logical components. It provides the specifications for the network’s physical components, functional organization, protocols, and procedures.

What are the types of computer network architecture?

Computer network design falls under two broad categories:

 1. Client-server architecture

In this type of computer network, nodes may be servers or clients. Server nodes provide resources like memory, processing power, or data to client nodes.  Clients may communicate with each other, but they do not share resources. For example, some computer devices in enterprise networks store data and configuration settings. These devices are the servers in the network. Clients may access this data by making a request to the server machine.

2. Peer-to-peer architecture

In Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture, connected computers have equal powers and privileges. There is no central server for coordination.  Each peer may share some of its resources, like memory and processing power, with the entire computer network. 

These are the common types of computer networks:

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A personal area network (PAN) is the interconnection of information technology devices within the range of an individual person, typically within a range of 10 meters. For example, a person traveling with a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable printer could interconnect them without having to plug anything in, using some form of wireless technology. Typically, this kind of personal area network could also be interconnected without wires to the Internet or other networks.

Local area network (LAN)

A LAN is an interconnected system limited in size and geography. It typically connects computers and devices within a single office or building. It is used by small companies or as a test network for small-scale prototyping.

campus area network (CAN) 

A campus area network (CAN) is a computer network that spans a limited geographic area. CANs interconnect multiple local area networks (LAN) within an educational or corporate campus. Most CANs connect to the public Internet.

At colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, CANs provide Internet access for students and faculty. CANs also enable connected users to quickly share files and data within the network.

metropolitan area network (MAN)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).

Wide area networks (WAN)

An enterprise network spanning buildings, cities, and even countries, is called a wide area network (WAN). While local area networks are used to transmit data at higher speeds within close proximity, WANs are set up for long-distance communication that is secure and dependable.

What is network topology?

A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. Nodes usually include devices such as switches, routers and software with switch and router features. Network topologies are often represented as a graph. 

Some types of network topologies are:

Bus topology

Each node is linked to one other node only. Data transmission over the network connections occurs in one direction.

Ring topology

Each node is linked to two other nodes, forming a ring. Data can flow bi-directionally. However,single node failure can bring down the entire network.

Star topology

A central server node is linked to multiple client network devices. This topology performs better as data doesn’t have to go through each node. It is also more reliable.

Mesh topology

Every node is connected to many other nodes. In a full mesh topology, every node is connected to every other node in the network.

What is an enterprise private network?

An enterprise private network is the internal network for any organization. It includes the physical and virtual network infrastructure that enables organizations to:

 Run cloud-based applications

Analyze system performance

Share information internally and externally

Facilitate communication between employees

Communicate with external stakeholders