What is a Computer Network?

• Computer Network is a group of computers connected with each other through wires, optical fibres or optical links so that various devices can interact with each other through a network.
• The aim of the computer network is the sharing of resources among various devices.
• In the case of computer network technology, there are several types of networks that vary from simple to complex level.

In Computer Networks we study how information can be sent from one machine to another via communication network. We also study about various addresses like logical address (IP), physical address (MAC), service point address (Socket) etc.. How a machine can get IP address, and how packets move in network is also learnt. We also study about various models and protocols like- TCP, IP, ICMP, HTTP etc.

Computer networks help users on the network to share the resources and in communication. Can you imagine a world now without emails, online newspapers, blogs, chat and the other services offered by the internet

---

Features Of Computer network

Communication speed:

Network provides us to communicate over the network in a fast and efficient manner. For example, we can do video conferencing, email messaging, etc. over the internet. Therefore, the computer network is a great way to share our knowledge and ideas.

File sharing:

File sharing is one of the major advantage of the computer network. Computer network provides us to share the files with each other.

Back up and Roll back is easy:

We can install the applications on the main server, therefore, the user can access the applications centrally. So, we do not need to install the software on every machine. Similarly, hardware can also be shared.

Software and Hardware sharing:

We can install the applications on the main server, therefore, the user can access the applications centrally. So, we do not need to install the software on every machine. Similarly, hardware can also be shared.

Security:

Network allows the security by ensuring that the user has the right to access the certain files and applications.

Scalability:

Scalability means that we can add the new components on the network. Network must be scalable so that we can extend the network by adding new devices. But, it decreases the speed of the connection and data of the transmission speed also decreases, this increases the chances of error occurring. This problem can be overcome by using the routing or switching devices.

Reliability:

Computer network can use the alternative source for the data communication in case of any hardware failure. Computer network can use the alternative source for the data communication in case of any hardware failure.

---

The following are the important uses and benefits of a computer network.

• File sharing: Networking of computers helps the network users to share data files.
• Hardware sharing: Users can share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard drives etc. Without computer networks, device sharing is not possible.
• Application sharing: Applications can be shared over the network, and this allows to implement client/server applications
• User communication: Networks allow users to communicate using e-mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing etc.
• Network gaming: A lot of network games are available, which allow multi-users to play from different locations.
• Voice over IP (VoIP):Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) is a revolutionary change in telecommunication which allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard Internet Protocol (IP) rather than by traditional PSTN.