What is Computer Networking
Computer networking is an interconnection of two or more computers and peripherals such as printers and faxes. Computer network allows the user to share and transfer information using cables and modems within a network.
Now a days computers are used in a wider range. All the organisations are using multiple computers within their departments to perform their day to day work. It is necessary to connect them which form a network. The networks are classified into different types according to the network size. When computers communicate with each other, they follow certain specefic formats and rules. These formats and rules are explained by the OSI ( Open Systems Interconnection ) model. The OSI model is conceptual and has seven layers and each layer is having its own functions.
ABOUT COMPUTER NETWORKING :
Earlier, computers were only used as stand-alone machines. Computer networks were created to establish a communication link between different users within an organisation. The Advanced Research projects Agency (ARPA) designed Advanced Research projects Agency Network (ARPANET) for United States Dept. of Defense. It was the first network in the world.
In 1969 the first ARPANET link was established between the IMP nodes (a specialised computer at ARPANET) at the university of California at Los Angles. By the end of the year, the computers at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Utah were connected to the network. All the computers in the network were using different operating systems and were able to communicate with each other across the network. ARPANET was originally developed for long distance (remote) computing.
In 1970's, the research institutes and labarotories supported by the Dept. of defense were also included in ARANET in various parts of USA. COMPUTER NETWORKS: Computer network can be wired or wireless. Networks can be categorised as per the geographical area to be covered by the network.
Computer network includes Local Area Network (LAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Local Area Network:
LAN is a computer network that spans over a small area. It conncets computers and workstation to share data and resources such as printers and faxes. LAN is restricted to small area such as home, office or college. The Institute of Electrical & Electronis Engineers (IEEE) in the United States of America produced a series of standards for LANs called IEEE 802 Standards.
Campus Area Network:
Campus Area Network is a computer network. It is made up of two or more LANs within a limited area. The main feature of CAN is that all the computers which are connected togather have some relationship to each other. For example, different buliding in a campus can be connected using CAN.
Metropolitan Area Network:
MAN is the interconnection of networks in a city. generally, MAN is not owned by a single organisation. It acts as a high speed network to allow sharing resources within a city. MAN can also be formed by connecting remote LANs through telephone lines or radiuo links.
Wide Area Network:
WAN covers a wide geographical area which includes multiple computers or LANs. It connects computers through public networks, like telephone system, microwave, satellite link or leased line. It enables communication between the organisation and the rest of the world.
