Definition Of Computer Network
A computer network is actually a connection of PCs and various devices that enable communication between various users. Networks also allow users to share resources such as storage space, printer, and modems and so on. The very first operational computer network is the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). |
Connection between computers in the networks can be wired or wireless. Wired connections are established through wired technologies such as twisted pair, coaxial cable and optical fiber. Wireless technologies used for connection include Satellites, Cellular and PC Systems, Microwave and Bluetooth. The building blocks used to form a network are Network Interface Cards, Repeaters, Switches, Routers, Hubs and Bridges. These are essentially components that are required for connecting computers in the network.
Computer networks can be of various forms. These include Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Storage Area Network (SAN), Personal Area Network (PAN) and Campus Area Network (CAN). The network can be arranged in many different ways such as star, bus, ring, tree or mesh. Connection between two or more private computer networks forms an Internet network. The connection between the networks is through OSI Layer 2 or OSI Layer 3.
Today, communication largely takes place through computer networks. The largest computer network being used is the internet and increasingly telephony is also being routed through the internet. Now the merging trends are wireless networks. Wireless networks make use of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN and satellite communication for communication purposes. The components required are network adapter and router.
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