COMPUTER NETWORK

Computer Network:-

 A network is a set of devices (node) connected by communication links.

 A node can be a computer, printer or any other device capable of sending and receiving
data.

 It is the interconnection of multiple devices, generally termed as Hosts connected using

multiple paths for the purpose of sending/receiving data or media.

Networking Elements: – 

The computer network includes the following networking elements:

 At least two computers(sender and receiver)
 Transmission medium either wired or wireless
 Protocols or rules that govern the communication
 Network software such as Network Operating System
 Information to be communicated

Network Criteria:-

The criteria that have to be met by a computer network are:

1. Performance – It is measured in terms of transit time and response time.

 Transit time is the time for a message to travel from one device to another
 Response time is the elapsed time between an inquiry and a response.

Performance is dependent on the following factors:

 The number of users

 Type of transmission medium
  Capability of connected network
 Efficiency of software
Performance is evaluated by two networking metrics:
 Throughput(more)
 Delay(less)

2. Reliability – It is measured in terms of

 Frequency of failure
 Recovery from failures
 Robustness during catastrophe

3. Security – It means protecting data from unauthorized access.

Goals of Computer Networks: 

The following are some important goals of computer networks:

 Resource Sharing –
Many organizations has a substantial number of computers in operations, which are located
apart. Ex. A group of office workers can share a common printer, fax, modem, scanner etc.
 High Reliability –
If there are alternate sources of supply, all files could be replicated on two or more
machines. If one of them is not available due to hardware failure, the other copies could be
used.
 Inter-process Communication –
Network users, located geographically apart, may converse in an interactive session
through the network. In order to permit this, the network must provide almost error-free
communications.
 Flexible access –
Files can be accessed from any computer in the network. The project can be begun on one
computer and finished on another.
  Other goals include Distribution of processing functions, Centralized management, and
allocation of network resources, Compatibility of dissimilar equipment and software, Good
network performance, Scalability, Saving money, Access to remote information, Person to
person communication etc.,

Advantages of computer networking:-

Main benefits of networks include:

 File sharing – We can easily share data between different users, or access it remotely if we
keep it on other connected devices.
 Resource sharing – We can share resources h/w like printers, scanners and copiers, or
sharing software between multiple users and saves money.
 Sharing a single internet connection – It is cost-efficient and can help protect our systems
if we properly secure the network.
 Increasing storage capacity – We can access files and multimedia, such as images and
music, which we store remotely on other machines or network-attached storage devices.
Networking computers can also help to  improve communication, so that:
Staff, suppliers and customers can share information and get in touch more easily.
 Our business can become more efficient - eg networked access to a common database can
avoid the same data being keyed multiple times, saving time and preventing errors
 Staff can deal with queries and deliver a better standard of service as a result of sharing
customer data
Disadvantages of Networking:-

 Data security :-We are using networking for data communication, then it is not possible
to make our data secure, i.e threats, sometimes the data between communication is
hacked by the third party.

 Require manpower Special kind of skilled manpower is required for maintaining the

networking and installing and also for configuration.
TYPE OF CONNECTION:-
There are two possible types of connections.
 Point to point
 Multipoint
Point to point communication
means the channel is shared between two
1. devices.
In this communication, There is dedicated
2. link between two nodes.
In this communication, the entire capacity
is reserved between these connected two
3. devices.
In this communication, there is one
4. transmitter and one receiver.
In point-to-point connections, the smallest
distance is most important to reach the
5. receiver.
Point-to-point communication provides
security and privacy because
6. communication channel is not shared.
Multipoint Communication
means the channel is shared among
multiple devices or nodes.
In this communication, link is provided all
times for share the connection among
nodes.
In this communication, the entire capacity
is depend on the quick sharing.
In this communication, there is one
transmitter and many receivers.
In Multi-point connections, the smallest
distance is not important to reach the
receiver.
Multi-point communication does not
provides security and privacy because
communication channel is shared.
QUESTIONS:-

Q1 .What is Computer Network? Describe its goal.

Q2.What are the five components of Data communication systems?

Q3.What are the advantages of a multipoint connection over a point to point connection?

Q4.Network Performance depends on which factor?