How does computer networking work? Components and Basics

A computer network is what?

A collection of two or more interconnected computer systems is known as a computer network. A network connection can be created using either cable or wireless media.

Each network that connects computers and tools uses hardware and software.

You will study the following in this computer networking concepts tutorial:

A computer network is what?
Components of a computer network
Other Significant Network Components with Individual Network Identifiers
Computer networks' use
The pros and disadvantages of computer networking

Components of a computer network

The following are crucial elements of a computer network:

Switches

Switches In a building or campus. switches act as a controller to link connecting a network's computers, printers, and other components.
It enables the communication between networked devices on your network and between your network and other networks. It allows resource sharing and lowers overall organization costs.

Routers

You can connect to several networks with the help of routers. This networking component serves as a dispatcher and enables network data analysis. It chooses the most efficient path for data to take and sends it on its way automatically. It saves money and allows you to connect several devices to a single internet connection.

Clients

Clients are computer systems that share network resources and access the network. They can send and receive requests from the server; therefore, they are also networking users.

Transmission Media

A carrier, such as a coaxial cable, twisted-pair wire, or optical fibre cable, is used to connect computers in a network. Links, channels, or lines are other names for it.

Access points

Devices can connect wirelessly to the network without cords via access points. You can bring new gadgets with you, and mobile users can receive flexible support from a wireless network.

Shared Data

Shared data include files, programs for accessing printers, and shared emails between clients.

Local Operating System

A local OS enables personal computers to use one or more of its internal disk and CD drives, access files, and print to local printers.

Network Operating System

The network OS is a server and computer software application. It enables network communication between the computers.

Protocol

A protocol is a collection of established guidelines that enables two entities to communicate with each other through a network. The common protocols used for this include IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, and others.

HuB

A hub is a device that divides a network connection across numerous computers. It serves as a distribution center, so if a computer seeks information from another computer or from the network, the request is routed through a cable to the hub. The hub will receive the request and forward it to the rest of the network.

LAN cable

Local Area Network cable is also known as Ethernet or data cable. It is employed in the process of connecting a gadget to the internet.

OSI

OSI is an acronym that stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It is a reference model that allows you to set communication standards.

Network Identifiers

Here are some examples of unique network identifiers:

Hostname: Each network device is assigned a unique hostname.
IP: Every device connected to the Internet has a special identification numbera unique identifier known as an IP address, or Internet Protocol address. The IP address has a length of 32 bits. The IPv6 address is 128 bits long.
DNS Server: DNS (Domain Name System), or DNS server. It is a server that converts URLs or web addresses into IP addresses.
MAC Address: A MAC (Media Access Control Address) is a unique identifier of each host and is associated with the NIC (Network Interface Card). The standard length of a MAC address is 12 digits/6 bytes/48 bits.
Port: A port is a logical channel that allows network users to send and receive data to and from an application. Multiple applications can run on each host. The port number on which these applications are running is used to identify them.

Other Critical Network Components

ARP: ARP is an acronym that stands for Address Resolution Protocol, which assists network users in converting an IP address into its corresponding Physical Address.
RARP: Reverse Address Resolution Protocol returns an IP address for a device when a physical address is provided as input.

Computer Network uses

Here are some examples of common computer network uses:

Allows you to share resources like printers.
Allows network participants to share expensive software and databases.
Allows for quick and efficient communication from one computer to another.
Allows users to exchange data and information over a network.

Benefits of Computer Networking

The following are the primary advantages/benefits of using computer networking:

When accessing the network, it allows you to connect with multiple computers to send and receive data.
Aids in the sharing of printers, scanners, and email.
Allows you to share information at a high rate.
Electronic communication is more efficient and less costly than communication without a network.

Networking in computers has disadvantages.

The following are negative aspects of using computer networks:

For early setup, hardware and software investments can be expensive.
Your data will be at risk if you don't use firewalls and other appropriate security measures.
Some parts of the network architecture might not perform properly or last for many years before they need to be replaced or become worthless.
period for continuous administration
Regular cable problems and troubles with server failure

Summary:

A collection of two or more interconnected computer systems is referred to as a computer network.
Computer networks make it possible to send and receive information between various machines.
Computers, printers, and other hardware devices are connected by switches, which act as a controller.
You can connect to several networks with the aid of routers. It saves money and allows you to share a single internet connection.
Computers known as servers store shared software, information, and the network operating system.
Clients are computing devices that connect to, utilize, and share network resources.
A hub is a component that divides a network connection across several machines.
Devices can connect to the wireless network without cables thanks to access points.
The network interface card controls data flow between the computer and the network and sends and receives data.
A protocol is a set of established guidelines that let two entities to communicate through a network.
The hostname, IP address, DNS server, and host are crucial computer networks' unique identifiers.
ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol, and RAR offers a device's IP address when a physical address is provided as input.
Computer networks enable participants in the network to share pricey software and databases.
The expense of early setup for hardware and software investments is the main drawback of installing computer networks.