Connecting Lines – Computer Networking Explained

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In a nutshell, the computer network is basically a collection of computers linked together in a way that it can transmit data and share resources. This set of connections is not necessary for computers with the same operating system (OS), it does not even need to use similar types of gadgets. A perfect example is a personal data assistant (PDA). One can connect the PDA to a laptop over a network. Even kitchen appliances such as internet enabled refrigerator uses networks to enable surfing functions.

How is the network cover?

There are various methods to connect computers and other gadgets on the network. And among the plethora of ways and means, the most common network method is to use cables. The market provides various cables from copper-wired fiber each with advantages and disadvantages

Copper Wire :. Unshielded twisted pair cable (UTP)

The UTP is one of the commonly used cables for local area network (LAN) connection, which is really to connect several computers within a small geographical area (including name, LAN). Return to UTP, this is a combination of two unshielded and insulated copper wire coiled and twisted together to reduce electrical interference. This type of cable is often chosen because of its flexibility, easy maintenance and low cost. The downside, it can (and will) possibly get considerable damage from electrical power.

Fiber Optics

Data is divided by submitting tension along the wire. But for fiber, the data is transmitted through light pulses. But UTP has copper, fiber optics has threadlike strands of glass or silica. The process goes like this: the laser means digital signals into pulses of light and passes it down into a series of glass filaments. Fibre offer rapid data correspondence, though this speed comes with a price, pocket burning price. With that said, such a connection is often seen to exploit the huge Internet service providers (ISP) and data center, not in the office or home network

Network Topology :. Bus Network

Simply put, network topology is the physical development of the network. And the bus network is the most simple among various networking topologies. Let us start with the bus. All machines connect up to a linear transmission channel, or bus.

In operation, when the computer sent out data through the bus, all connected machines can handle data, otherwise known as a package. These packages are pieces of information Tagged as packet headers. And these headings, in turn, reflect the recipient or the computer or machine data are intended for. Bus probe head :. If it is for that computer then the whole package is approved and received, but if not, it will just ignore

The downside: One at a time

Unfortunately, the bus can only seen one data at any time. Here, two is a crowd. Imagine what could happen if the three computers in the network simultaneously transmit data. Well, you’ll definitely have some network problems if this collision happens. Speaking of impact, if and when the two computers simultaneously send data, the main computer (or the first to notice the collision) will send a blocking signal into the bus. This will trigger a standstill among connected computers prevent further data exchange.

Network Interface Cards (NIC)

NICs usually manage ‘to and from’ or transmission of packets over a wire bridge the computers in one network. It also provides a forum for communication among computers.

Hub

Hub is designed for smaller computer networks. The problem with this is that it’s not sort packages, which means that data can be sent to the wrong recipient. Another is that the data will be open to all networks. Security wise, this is not the way to go.

Router

To speed things up, this is a network device that distributes data packets between two networks carry different protocols. Yes, it is blinking box that allows you to connect to the Internet.

There you go. This is just scratching the surface network. You can choose to scour the Internet for more information.

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