What is a network?

A network is a collection of individual computers that are interconnected in order to facilitate and expedite the exchange of information. Hardware needed to establish a network There are certain basic hardware that are needed to establish a network. The two computers that get connected in a network are called nodes. To further interconnect network nodes, many hardware devices can be used, depending on the type of networking required. These are: NICs: This refers to Network Interface Cards, which are designed to allow computers to communicate with each other through a cable, or wirelessly, over a short distance. Repeaters: These are devices through which signals get transferred to a longer distance. They are used for cables that run longer than 100 metres away from a computer. Hubs: A hub is formed by the interconnection of many computers. Any information that comes to one computer (port) gets copied to all the other computers attached to the hub. Bridges: A bridge is used to connect multiple networks. There is a port and an address. The information is not automatically copied to all the computers but first examines the port that asks for the information. Switches: It helps in switching between ports that are connected with the help of cables. Routers: These are networking devices that help to send data between networks using TCP/IP addresses. Routers are used for creating a Wi-Fi connection, which enables computers to get connected to the network without needing any cabled connection. Routers allow multiple computers to access the internet through the same connection TYPES OF NETWORK There are many different ways in which computers can be

connected in a network. They vary in terms of size, complexity, and area of coverage. There are three types of network. o LAN o MAN o WAN

LAN (Local Area Network) It is used to connect computers over a small area, like an office, a factory complex, or an office complex. The distance between the connected computers is less. LAN helps people in offices to exchange information and share equipment such as scanners or printers. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) It is a network between computers within a city. Different LANs are joined together to form a MAN. It is created with the help of hubs, switches, and routers. Cable TV network is an example of MAN.
SAN (Storage Area Network) IT (Information Technology) departments create SAN to link together many databases. WAN (Wide Area Network) This is a network of computers spread across cities, states, and countries. A WAN uses routers and transmission links provided through telephone lines and satellites. It extends over a long range with computers networked over long distances geographically. The Internet is one application of WAN. THE INTERNET The Internet is a worldwide computer network made up of multiple smaller networks. Some networks on the Net are linked by satellite. Once you are connected, or on-line, you can use the Net to get connected and share information, communicate, and exchange resources with people all over the world.

Meaningful information, called data, gets broken down into smaller units called packets before they get transferred to, or shared with, other computer users. Each packet has an address that identifies the sender and the receiver. This address, which is used to exchange information, is called the IP address . When another computer receives that information, it restructures the information received back into its original form.