Computer Networks: Definition, Components, and Basics

Any person who owns a business will agree with me that computers are central to business and therefore; computer networks. Apart from the fact that it has helped the staff to effectively facilitate the dissemination of information easily, it is one of the factors that would enable the flexibility, affordability, and effectiveness of your business. However, based on the degree of technology development, the meaning of networking changes as well. While networking was just a group of personal computers with wires and cables linking them together, there are now wireless systems and connections and other innovative technologies. Therefore the meaning of a computer network in 2024 and how it affect how computers interact with other computers in a computer system?

• What is a computer network? 
• Key Components of a Computer Network.
• Types of Computer Networks
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Computer Networks

What is a computer network? 

A computer network on the other hand is a technique that facilitates the linking of two or more computers for sharing of information. It starts from a mobile phone which is considered to be a computing device and up to a server which is considered to be one of the most complicated computing devices.. These are devices that are joined through wires, for instance, fiber optic but they can be wireless too. 

The first working network ARPANET developed in late 1969 and it was funded by the U. S. Department of Defense. One relationship that was described earlier is that Government researchers when there were big luggable computers. Today we have gone a long way from that basic kind of computer networking is one of the sub-disciplines of computer science that is involved in designing as well as implementing computer communication systems. It is also known as computer science and engineering as well as telecommunications. network. Today the world has gone around the internet, an inter-networking of computers where billions of systems all over the world are interconnected. Employees’ devices of various organizations including small, medium, and large organizations are connected through networks, even basic resources like printers. 

One of the largest computer networks in the world is a traffic monitoring network in large cities. Such systems inform officials and emergency responders about traffic conditions including accidents. A less complex instance is to share files and folders on Google Drive which increases efficient sharing of papers within a team of workers who may be located in different offices. Each time we use a video call, watch movies, transfer files, type a text message, and even browse something on the Internet, a computer network is involved. 

Computer networking is one of the sub-disciplines of computer science which is involved in designing as well as implementing computer communication systems. It is also known as computer science and engineering as well as telecommunications. 

Key Components of a Computer Network

Now I should provide the information about computer networks’ fundamentals. It can be noted that a computer network consists of parts through which it cannot operate. These comprise hardware and software elements these are; To sum up, it is easier to understand that, software is something “behind the scenes”, meaning that is stored in a device. These are tangible products or physical parts of equipment that we can easily hold or feel. 

Hardware Components 

1.Network interface cards (NICs) 

The primary and crucial part by which a computer communicates over a network or another computer. They mainly exist in two categories; the wired and the wireless NICs. Network Interface Cards can be wired and are installed within the motherboard and network cables while the wireless ones have an antenna and are connected to a network. 

2.Switches 

A switch is a sub-type of a mediator. It is the segment that establishes a link between several devices and a network. This is what you will employ to send a direct message to a certain pocket or device rather than the entire network at times when generalized communication may not suffice. 

3.These include routers 

This is the device that with the help of an internet connection to connect to a local area network or LAN. It is like a traffic officer who polices and arbitrages data packets to networks. 

4.Hubs

This useful segment divides a network connection by computers. This is the place where information requests from a computer are processed and feeds the information into the entire network.

5.Cables and connectors

Such essential items as different types of cables and connectors are necessary to maintain the network running. 

Software Components 

1. Network operating system (NOS)

A NOS, as the name suggests, is generally implemented on a server level. It offers a reasonably good platform for sharing and transferring files, applications, and databases from one computer to another. 

2. Network protocols 

In a network environment computers understand network protocols as a set of rules that govern the communication of information. 

3. Network services

They are like gates that direct the users to a certain network on which the app or data is located. 

Types of Computer Networks

1.Local Area Network (LAN) 

This is a relatively small and constrained network that one will find in small-scale organizations, schools, labs, or even homes. Another purpose of LANs is for testing or simulation where the LAN acts as a facility for fixing problems or an experimental net. The major benefit achieved in using the local area network is convenience. A LAN in addition to being convenient to establish is cheap and provides reasonable speed. The drawback should be mentioned here, namely, it is not a very large library. 

2.Wide Area Network (WAN) 

This is important in understanding that WAN may well be viewed as a LAN in many respects. It is important to bear in mind that WAN can be thought of as a LAN in many ways. The big difference between the two is their scale. Plain from the name, a WAN extends over a wide area and can therefore accommodate more users as it “has room” for them. If you’re a big business and need to link your branch offices, teleworkers, data centers, and vendors, then you need a WAN.  These networks span very large extents and are global in reach. What is more, we can point out that the internet is a type of WAN and this will help you to realize its size.  The bigger size has some disadvantages which are a disadvantage to it. Even though WANs provide numerous benefits, they are more difficult to establish and implement and are also cheaper to run. 

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) 

A metropolitan area network is very much similar to a local area network but the difference lies in the geographical area that it covers. This network of course spans across entire cities. A MAN is the golden middle; it’s bigger than a LAN but is still smaller than a WAN. Cable television networks are the best example of metropolitan area networks Metropolitan area networks.  A MAN has a reasonable capacity and well protected and is ideal as a starting point for a more extended network. Organic is cost-friendly, time-saving, and quite manageable to apply in any production line.  As for the disadvantages, one should mention that building up such a network might be rather challenging and individuals might need professional technicians. Besides, a MAN can also face issues of slow speed and this can be worse during peak traffic hours. 

4.Personal Area Network (PAN) 

If you wish to connect your technological devices and ensure no other person can access your network a PAN should suffice. This network is limited in size compared to a LAN and can connect devices in your immediate vicinity on average the range is some 33 feet.  A PAN is self-installable and self-explanatory and does not contain any additional devices that would require more space. Besides, the connective network is versatile since you can shift it around and remain connected. There are however some disadvantages such that they have a smaller coverage and also have a slower data rate. These days, you encounter PANs daily: Currently, smartphones, gaming consoles, wireless keyboards, and television remotes are equally popular.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Computer Networks

1. What is the difference between a local network and a global network?

A global network is the whole picture of a network mother system that encompasses all users. A local network therefore is a set of users that are densely connected around a modality say interest, socioeconomic status, or geographical proximity. A global network on the other hand is the entire network that encompasses every single user of a given service.

2. What is a global network of computer networks accessible by the public?

The internet close internet network of computers that links millions of computers all over the world. is a globally interconnected system of computer networks near a group set of interconnected computers/devices. It is crucial to understand that the term ‘Internet’ is a reference to the entire networking system on the global level and not to some particular information stored on the given network.

3. Is the 5G network a global network? 

Today, there are 316 commercial 5G networks present in the world, and they also expect a tremendous increase more investment in 5G facilities around the globe. The number of 5G and 4G LTE network deployments as of June 17, 2024, are summarized below: 5G Roll Out – Country wise: Global – 316

4.What are the advantages of a global network?

There are therefore various advantages of employing a global backbone in networking. They help you offer you fast and stable connections at different geographical locations, which is a crucial thing for companies operating in different countries. This makes it possible to transfer data and information much faster than it would if the group were to be communicating through emails or telephone.