NETWORKS

                                                                         

 Introduction to Networks

A network is a group of connected computers that allow people to share information and equipment. Computers connected to a network can share equipment such as a printer, file server or scanner. Sharing equipment allows companies to save money for several people on the network can use the same equipment.

It allows you to easily share information with other people which is especially useful when working together on a project and there is a need to access the same files.

There are several types of networks.

   Local Area Network (LAN) –

       the network that connects computers that are usually located in the same building. A LAN can connect from few as two computers to several hundred computers.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) –

         the network that connects two or more local area networks in the same city.

Wide Area Network (WAN)-

         the network that connects two or more local area networks or metropolitan area networks across the country or world. When a single company owns and controls a wide area network.

 Network Hardware

A network requires special hardware to allow computers on the network to communicate. Computers usually come with networking capabilities built into the motherboard. Some computers are equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC), which is an expansion card inside a computer that offers networking capabilities.

Cables are the wires that physically connect computers and equipment on a network. There are two main types of cables that are used on a network

                1)twisted pair

                2)fiber-optic.

Twisted pair cable is the most commonly used and is available in several different categories. Each category supports a different speed, which is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

 Fiber-optic is an expensive type of cable but it can carry information significantly faster (near infinite speed) and over longer distances than twisted pair cable. It fiber-optic cable as it can transmit information near infinite speed.

 A router is often used to connect a Local Area Network to another network in order to allow every computer on a network to share one Internet connection. A router connects to a switch or hub unless the router has a built-in switch or hub that can connect all the computers on a network.