Table of Contents
Computer Network
A computer network is an interconnection of autonomous computers.
Benefits:
- Resource sharing
- Data sharing: Consistency, Easy updating, Saving of storage space
- Software sharing: Saving of cost and storage space
- Peripheral sharing: Saving of cost
- Electronic communication: Fast, cheap, secure, convenient
- Reliability and scalability
- Cost-benefit ratio is better compared to large computers.
Classification of Computer networks
Based on geographical area:
- LAN: Local Area Network
- Typically within a diameter of 2 kms
- MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
- Spread across a given city (metro)
- WAN: Wide Area Network
- Spans across the world
Classification of Computer networks
Based on transmission technology:
- Point-to-point Network
- Message physically flows from one transmitting system to one receiving system.
- Broadcast Network
- Message physically flows from one transmitting system to ALL the systems in the network; However, the message may be actually received by one, or many, or all the systems.
- Based on ownership:
- Private Network
- Network owned by an organization and meant for its own internal use.
- Private Network
- Public Network
- Network owned by an organization or a group of organizations, but is available for use by anyone willing to pay for the usage.
Data networks, vs Voice networks
Voice Networks
- Low delay
- Zero jitter
- Uniform bandwidth
- Circuit switched
Data Networks
- Some Delay and Jitter is acceptable / assumed
- Variable bandwidth
- Packet switched
- Error control mechanisms implemented
- Quality of Service (QoS) implemented
