Jifunze hapa 'NETWORK SKILLS'

Introduction
Definition:
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected to each other.
The network allows computers to communicate with each other and share resources and information.
History of Networking
History of networking is rich and complex, stretching over a hundred years in the past, with massive changes in the later part of the 20th century.
The U.S. government started the Advanced Research Projects Agency(ARPANET) for the United States Department of Defense. which developed such important technologies as:
The modern Internet, which connected multiple institutions and areas of government together for research purposes.
It was the first computer network in the world in late 1960's and early 1970's.

What is a Computer Network?
A set of interconnected collection of autonomous computers. OR
A computer Network is a collection of hardware and software that enables a group of computers to communicate with each other and enables network users to share resources.

•A computer network can be two computers connected
•A computer network can also consist of, and is usually made for, more than two computers.
•A network must provide connectivity among a set of computers.


Network classification
•Based on their scale, networks can be classified as :
–Local Area Network (LAN)
–Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
–Wide Area Network (WAN)
–Personal Area Network (PAN)
–Campus Area Network (CAN).

Local Area Network (LAN)





–A computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school or an airport,
Note:
Basically, if you can walk or drive the distance of the network in a short time, you’re dealing with a (LAN).
Another way to characterize a LAN is through ownership. Typically, the network is owned by a single person or organization, and is managed by a single person or group of people e.g. your home network would be a LAN that’s owned and managed by you.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)



–A network that connects two or more local area networks or campus area networks together but does not extend beyond the boundaries of the immediate town/city//municipality but this isn’t always the case.
–A MAN is a group of LANs that are internet worked within a local geographic area, which (IEEE) defines as being 50 km or less in diameter.
–MAN, is results of joined together LANs within area of a larger WAN.
–It can be a street network/combination of streets.


Wide Area Network (WAN)



A computer network that covers a broad area.
This type of network can span great geographical
distances and connect different LANs together
using high-speed solutions or telephone lines
(Spans more than 1000km).
(LAN +LAN)=WAN
Characteristics of WAN
A WAN may connect LANs in different cities, regions, states/provinces, or even countries.
WAN connects the LANs of several institutions in different cities together


CAN (Campus Area Network)



A CAN is a campus area network, and refers to a series of LANs that are internet-worked between several nearby buildings.
-This is a common type of network that’s used in organizations with facilities that are close to one another, such as in a pool of office buildings or a campus.
-It is larger than a LAN, but smaller than a MAN.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
–A computer network used for communication among computer devices close to one person.
–The smallest one.
This is a wireless network that allows devices to exchange data with computers. E.g.
-Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), cell phones, and other portable devices that support this technology have a wireless transmitter in them.
-When they are within a certain distance of a receiver that’s installed on a computer, data can be exchanged between the computer and the device.
Disadvantages of Computer Networks
Sharing of resource can lead to viruses spreading between computers.
Computer networks can cause a system be exposed to hackers/attackers of data, if theren’t control of privilege of access.
Server faults can stop the application available if the system is based on client server model.
Network fault could lead to loss of data.
Computer network could degrade performance.

Hope you get an idea what LAN, WAN,CAN can work, Your computer detect wireless networks?? Do you know how to connect to wireless network, do you know what makes networks to be slow??...Welcome to Complex