Basic of Networking

COMMUNICATION
Communication describes a process in which two or more computer or devices transfer data, instructions and information.

ADVANTAGE OF COMPUTER NETWORKING

• sharing of devices such as printer and scanner
• sharing of program/software
• sharing of files
• sharing of data
• Sharing of information
• Sharing of single high-speed internet connection
• Can access server centered database
• Better communication using internet services such as email, mailing list and Internet Relat Chat (IRC)

DISADVANTAGE: 

• High cost of installation.
• Requires time for administration.
• Failure of server.
• Cable faults.

OR

NETWORK BENEFITS

The network provided to the users can be divided into two categories:

1. Sharing
2. Connectivity

Sharing Resources :-

Hardware: A network allows users to share many hardware devices such as printers, modems, fax machines, CD ROM, players etc.

Software: Sharing software resources reduces the cost of software installation, saves space on hard disk.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• Two or more computers.
• Cables as links between the computers.
• A network interfacing card (NIC) on each computer.
• Switches
• Software called operating system (OS).

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLIENT/SERVER AND PEER-TO-PEER 

Client/Server

• Server has to control ability while client's don't.
• Higher cabling cost.
• It is used in small and large networks.
• Easy to manage.
• Install software only in the server while the clients share the software.
• One powerful computer acting as server.

Peer-to-Peer

• All computers have equal ability.
• Cheaper cabling cost.
• Normally used in small networks with less than 10 computers.
• Hard to manage.
• Install software to every computer.
• No server is needed.