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Computer Network

A computer network consists of interconnected devices (nodes) that share resources and facilitate communication through various links. Networks are classified into Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and Wide Area Networks (WAN), each differing in coverage, speed, and ownership. Applications of computer networks span communication, resource sharing, information access, entertainment, e-commerce, industrial uses, education, healthcare, public services, and security.

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3 views

Computer Network

A computer network consists of interconnected devices (nodes) that share resources and facilitate communication through various links. Networks are classified into Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and Wide Area Networks (WAN), each differing in coverage, speed, and ownership. Applications of computer networks span communication, resource sharing, information access, entertainment, e-commerce, industrial uses, education, healthcare, public services, and security.

Uploaded by

mohammadarsalanibrahim88
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Communicating Networks (Computer Networks)

A computer network is a set of devices (nodes) connected through links. A node can be
computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending or receiving the data. The links
connecting the nodes are known as communication channels. The links may be cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, and optical fibers, etc.

The main objectives of network is "Resource sharing", and it is to make all programs,
data and equipment available to anyone on the network without the regard to the physical
location of the resource and the user, and to provide high reliability by having alternative
sources of supply. For example, all files could be replicated on two or three machines, so
if one of them is unavailable, the other copies could be available.

Computer Networks means interconnected set of autonomous systems that permit


distributed processing of information. In order to meet the needs of various applications,
networks are available with different interconnection layouts and plans, methods of
access, protocols and data carrying capacities. Networks can be classified on the basis of
geographical coverage.

Classification of Networks

1. Local Area Network (LAN)


2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

1. Local Area Network (LAN):


A local area network is relatively smaller and privately owned network with the
maximum span of 10 km. to provide local connectivity within a building or small
geographical area.
 Coverage: Small geographic areas (e.g., a home, office, school, or building).
 Speed: High data transfer rates (10 Mbps to 10 Gbps).
 Latency: Low latency due to proximity of devices.
 Cost: Low setup and maintenance costs.
 Ownership: Privately owned (individuals, organizations).
 Technology:
o Wired: Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), switches, routers.
o Wireless: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11).
 Security: Controlled environment, easier to secure.
 Examples: Home networks, office networks, school labs.
 Use Cases: File sharing, printers, local servers.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

Metropolitan Area Network is defined for less than 50 km. and provides regional
connectivity typically within small geographical area. It is designed to extend
over an entire city. It may be a single network such as cable television network,
or it may be a means of connecting a number of LANs into a large network, so
that resources may be shared LAN to LAN as well as device to device

 Coverage: A city or large campus (up to 50 km).


 Speed: Moderate to high speeds (100 Mbps to 1 Gbps).
 Latency: Moderate, higher than LAN but lower than WAN.
 Cost: More expensive than LAN due to infrastructure.

 Ownership: Public/private entities (e.g., ISPs, governments).
 Technology:
o Fiber optics, microwave, Metro Ethernet, or legacy technologies like FDDI.
 Security: Requires stronger security than LAN due to broader access.
 Examples: City-wide Wi-Fi, university campus networks, cable TV networks.
 Use Cases: Connecting branch offices in a city, municipal services.

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)


Wide Area Network provides no limit of geographic area. A WAN provides long
distance transmission of data, voice, image and video information over large
geographical areas that may comprise a country, a continent or even the whole
world. In contrast to LANs (which depend on their own hardware for
transmission), WANs may utilize public, leased or private communication
devices usually in combination.

 Coverage: Global or cross-continental (e.g., countries, continents).


 Speed: Lower speeds compared to LAN/MAN (a few Kbps to 100+ Mbps).
 Latency: High due to long distances and multiple hops.
 Cost: Most expensive (leased lines, satellites, undersea cables).
 Ownership: Managed by telecom companies, ISPs, or governments.
 Technology:
o Leased lines, MPLS, VPNs, satellite links, BGP routing.
 Security: Vulnerable to attacks; requires firewalls, encryption.
 Examples: The internet, multinational corporate networks.
 Use Cases: Global data sharing, cloud services, international communication.

Applications of computer network

1. Communication
 Email & Messaging: Real-time exchange of messages (e.g., Gmail, WhatsApp, Facebook,
Slack).
 Voice/Video Calls: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and VoIP services.
 Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram rely on networks for global
connectivity.
 Collaboration Tools: Shared workspaces (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace).

2. Resource Sharing

 File Sharing: Transfer files between devices (e.g., FTP, Dropbox, Google Drive).
 Printer/Device Sharing: Shared access to printers, scanners, or storage in offices (LAN).
 Cloud Computing: Access to remote servers, databases, and applications (e.g., AWS, Azure).

3. Information Access

 Internet Browsing: Access websites, search engines, and online libraries.


 Web Services: APIs, SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), and online databases.
 Remote Data Retrieval: Access files or systems from anywhere (e.g., VPN, SSH).

4. Entertainment & Media

 Streaming Services: Video (Netflix, YouTube), music (Spotify), and live broadcasts.
 Online Gaming: Multiplayer games (e.g., Fortnite, MMORPGs) requiring low-latency
networks.
 IPTV & Video-on-Demand: Delivering television content over the internet.

5. E-Commerce & Online Transactions

 Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba.


 Banking & Finance: Online banking, stock trading (e.g., PayPal, Robinhood).
 Digital Payments: Secure transaction processing (e.g., UPI, Bitcoin, credit card gateways).

6. Industrial & IoT Applications

 SCADA Systems: Monitoring industrial processes (e.g., power plants, manufacturing).


 Smart Devices: IoT networks for smart homes (e.g., Alexa, smart lights).
 Supply Chain Management: Tracking goods via RFID and networked sensors.

7. Education & Research

 E-Learning Platforms: Online courses (Coursera, Udemy), virtual classrooms.


 Remote Labs: Access to lab equipment over networks.
 Research Collaboration: Grid computing, data sharing (e.g., CERN’s LHC data network).

8. Healthcare

 Telemedicine: Remote patient consultations (e.g., video diagnosis).


 Electronic Health Records (EHR): Secure sharing of patient data across hospitals.
 Medical IoT: Wearable devices (e.g., heart monitors) transmitting data to clinics.

9. Public Services & Governance

 Smart Cities: Traffic management, waste control, and energy grids.


 Emergency Services: Police, fire, and ambulance coordination via networks.
 E-Governance: Online tax filing, voting systems, and public portals.

10. Security & Surveillance

 CCTV Networks: Monitoring public/private spaces via IP cameras.


 Access Control: Biometric systems and RFID-based security.
 Cybersecurity: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and threat monitoring.

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