computer security info  Blog's Page

Back To Blog

What Is Computer Networking? (Definition & Types)


  Category:  INFO | 6th February 2023 | Author:  CSI TEAM

computer security info

A Computer Network Is A Collection Of Computing Devices Connected Together Through Communication Channels To Facilitate Communication And Resource-sharing Among Devices. A Computer Network Allows Devices To Exchange Data, Share Resources, And Communicate With One Another.

Computer Networks Can Be Classified Into Different Types, Including Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), And The Internet. LANs Are Used To Connect Computers And Devices In A Single Building Or Campus, While WANs Are Used To Connect Computers And Devices Over A Large Geographic Area. The Internet Is A Global Network Of Networks That Connects Millions Of Devices All Over The World.

Computer Networks Are Used In Various Applications Such As File Sharing, Email, Video Conferencing, And Online Gaming. They Also Play A Critical Role In Modern Businesses, Enabling Organizations To Communicate, Share Data, And Collaborate With Employees And Customers From Different Locations.

Computer Networks Use A Variety Of Technologies And Protocols, Such As Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, And HTTP, To Ensure The Reliable And Secure Transfer Of Data. The Design, Implementation, And Management Of Computer Networks Require A Combination Of Technical Skills And An Understanding Of The Underlying Technologies And Protocols Involved.

Characteristics Of Computer Network

Computer Networks Have Several Important Characteristics That Define Their Behavior And Effectiveness. Some Of These Characteristics Are:

  1. Connectivity: Computer Networks Provide A Means Of Connecting Computing Devices Together, Allowing Them To Communicate And Exchange Data.

  2. Resource Sharing: Computer Networks Allow Devices To Share Resources Such As Printers, Storage, And Bandwidth.

  3. Scalability: Computer Networks Should Be Able To Grow And Accommodate Increasing Numbers Of Devices Without Becoming Inefficient.

  4. Reliability: Computer Networks Must Be Reliable, Meaning That Data Should Be Transmitted Accurately And Without Errors.

  5. Security: Computer Networks Must Be Secure, Protecting The Confidentiality, Integrity, And Availability Of Data.

  6. Interoperability: Computer Networks Must Be Able To Work With A Variety Of Different Devices And Platforms, Allowing Them To Be Connected Seamlessly.

  7. Open Standards: Computer Networks Should Be Based On Open Standards, Which Allows Different Devices And Platforms To Communicate With One Another Easily.

  8. Performance: Computer Networks Must Provide Fast And Efficient Data Transmission, Allowing Devices To Communicate Effectively.

Overall, Computer Networks Must Provide Connectivity, Resource Sharing, Scalability, Reliability, Security, Interoperability, And Good Performance To Meet The Needs Of Their Users. These Characteristics Are Essential For Ensuring That Computer Networks Are Fit For Their Intended Purposes And Provide The Necessary Services To Users Effectively.

Types Of Computer Network

There Are Several Types Of Computer Networks, Including:

  1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN Is A Network That Connects Computers And Other Devices In A Single Location, Such As A Building Or Campus.

  2. Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN Is A Network That Connects Computers And Other Devices Over A Large Geographic Area, Such As Across Cities Or Even Across Countries.

  3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN Is A Network That Covers A Metropolitan Area, Connecting Multiple LANs Within A City Or Metropolitan Area.

  4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN Is A LAN That Uses Wireless Technology To Connect Devices, Allowing Them To Communicate Without The Need For Physical Cables.

  5. Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN): A WWAN Is A WAN That Uses Wireless Technology To Connect Devices, Allowing Them To Communicate Over Large Geographic Areas.

  6. Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN Is A High-speed Network That Provides Block-level Access To Storage Devices, Allowing Multiple Devices To Share Storage Resources.

  7. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN Is A Private Network That Uses Public Network Infrastructure, Such As The Internet, To Provide Remote Access To Private Network Resources.

  8. Client-Server Network: A Client-server Network Is A Network In Which One Or More Computers, Called Servers, Provide Resources And Services To Other Computers, Called Clients.

Each Type Of Network Is Designed To Meet Specific Needs And Requirements, And The Choice Of Network Type Depends On The Size, Geography, And Requirements Of The Organization.

Advantages Of Computer Network

Computer Networks Offer Several Advantages, Including:

  1. Resource Sharing: Networks Allow Devices To Share Resources Such As Printers, Storage, And Bandwidth, Reducing Costs And Increasing Efficiency.

  2. Improved Communication: Networks Enable Communication Between Devices, Allowing Users To Share Information, Communicate With Each Other, And Collaborate On Projects.

  3. Remote Access: Networks Allow Users To Access Resources And Data From Remote Locations, Making It Possible To Work From Home, On The Road, Or In Different Parts Of The World.

  4. Centralized Data Management: Networks Allow Organizations To Store Data Centrally, Making It Easier To Manage, Backup, And Protect Data.

  5. Increased Productivity: Networks Can Increase Productivity By Allowing Users To Work More Efficiently And Access The Resources And Information They Need More Quickly.

  6. Enhanced Security: Networks Can Provide Enhanced Security By Implementing Security Measures Such As Firewalls, Encryption, And User Authentication.

  7. Improved Resource Utilization: Networks Can Improve Resource Utilization By Allowing Devices To Share Resources, Reducing The Need For Dedicated Resources And Reducing Waste.

  8. Better Disaster Recovery: Networks Can Provide Better Disaster Recovery Capabilities By Allowing Organizations To Backup Data To Multiple Locations And Recover Data More Quickly In The Event Of A Disaster.

Overall, Computer Networks Offer Significant Benefits To Organizations, Allowing Them To Work More Efficiently, Communicate More Effectively, And Access Resources And Data More Easily.

Summary Of Computer Network

A Computer Network Is A Collection Of Interconnected Devices That Can Communicate With Each Other To Exchange Data And Resources. Networks Can Be Local, Such As A LAN, Or Wide-ranging, Such As A WAN. They Can Also Be Wireless, Such As A WLAN, Or Use A Combination Of Wired And Wireless Technologies. Networks Offer Several Advantages, Including Resource Sharing, Improved Communication, Remote Access, Centralized Data Management, Increased Productivity, Enhanced Security, Improved Resource Utilization, And Better Disaster Recovery. The Choice Of Network Type Depends On The Size, Geography, And Requirements Of The Organization.

Computer Networking, Definition Of Computer Networ