What is Network |
Put simply, a network is a connection between at least two computers usually by cable, running software which allows them to communicate with one another. |
Users over a network can share computer resources such as hard drives, printers, modems, CD-ROM drives and processors. |
Although most networks are more complicated than this two-computer scenario, all networks are based on the concept of sharing. |
There’s actually a great work of technology involved when one computer connects to and communicates with another. |
In addition, there are many types of physical connections and related software to consider. |
In the following sections, we discuss some fundamental concepts behind all networks, and explain what kinds of network models are appropriate for various business environments. |
LAN: |
When the computers connected to a network are all close together, such as in the same building or campus, the network is called a Local Area Network (LAN). |
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link. |
Typically, connected devices share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building). |
Usually, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by multiple computer users. |
A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for example, in a home network) or as many as thousands of users (for example, in an FDDI network). |
MAN: |
The metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large-scale network that connects multiple corporate LANs together. |
MANs usually are not owned by a single organization; their communication devices and equipment are usually maintained by a group or single network provider that sells its networking services to corporate customers. |
MANs often take the role of a high speed network that allows for the sharing of regional resources. MANs also can provide a shared connection to other networks using a WAN link |
WAN: |
If the network uses long-range telecommunications links allowing the computers to be spread out over long distances, the network is referred to as a Wide Area Network (WAN). |
A WAN spans a large geographic area, such as a state, province or country. WANs often connect multiple smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs). |
Types of WANs: |
Centralized: |
A centralized WAN consists of a central computer that is connected to dumb terminals and / or other types of terminal devices. |
Distributed: |
A distributed WAN consists of two or more computers in different locations and may also include connections to dumb terminals and other types of terminal devices. |
The world's most popular WAN is the Internet. |
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What is Network
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