Computer Networking Introduction for Beginners
computer networking
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Computer networking is a means by which computers are interconnected to share data and information, resources, and all other network devices such as printers.
Computers, as we now know, apply to all fields of endeavors, be it agriculture, education, medicine, technology, transportation, and so on. Therefore, there is an obvious need for an organization to have an inter-network of its computers to further aid data sharing and retrieval, and efficient management and use of computing resources.
The world today is a global village with the advent of the Internet, which is a combination of millions of computer systems inter-networked to share information. The growth of the Internet has been seen to be sporadically improving, as it provides useful information and platforms for all classes of people, entrepreneurs, students, artisans, craftsmen, and all other categories of people and professions.
Types of Computer Network
Computer networks can be classified based on different attributes such as physical size, mode of connection, types of devices, etc. For an easy introduction, let’s look at its classification in terms of physical size. You will often hear the following.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN a type of computer network that deals with usually a small area and mostly restricted to one place; for instance, the networking of a cyber cafe, a computer lab, or just a building of an organization.
The networking of a home or a small building is known as a SOHO LAN (Meaning Small Home Office Local Area Network). In this type of networking, there are usually few computers and other network devices, e.g., switches and routers involved (details about the devices are explained below).
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
MAN is a type of computer network that is larger than a LAN but not up to a WAN (Wide Area Network). It is an intermediary between LAN and WAN. It spans across more areas than in LAN and has a larger amount of computers; it can also be seen as a combination of more than one LANs.
In this type, the use of routers are well employed for network segregation and integration, and it requires more administrative checks due to its size.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
This is the largest form of computer network spanning across thousands of hectares of land area. It can go across states and countries; there is no limit to the amount of computer and networking devices or resources involved. WAN employs the use of all necessary networking devices like switches, routers, hubs, bridges, repeaters, etc. This type of networking usually requires a full-time administrative check, as its failure can lead to massive data loss or theft.
An easily familiar example is the Internet.
Network Devices and Terms
There are various network devices available, and many terminologies used. Let’s find about them the following.
Router
A router is used to connect different networks together. I.e., for two or more LANs to be interconnected, you need a router. It is responsible for the path determination of sent data. The router is regarded as a layer three device, due to the fact that it operates at layer 3 of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model of communication, and it makes use of IP addresses at its interface.
Switch
The switch is responsible for connecting the computers together. The switch is a major backbone of LANs. As it provides an avenue for different computers to be interconnected. This device is known to operate at layer 2 of the OSI model standard of communication. Hence it is a layer two device. The switch is an improved form of a bridge
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