Networking and Internet

A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with each other. It can be as small as connecting two computers or as large as connecting billions of devices. While a traditional network consists of desktop computers, modern networks can include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, game consoles, smart devices, and other electronics.

Computer Network

Relation Between Network And Internet

The Internet itself is a network because it allows information to be shared through computing devices. The Internet doesn't just connect computers in different cities but also connects computers across oceans and even space. On the other hand, in Antarctica and the Arctic, the internet reaches researchers via satellite connection.

It is easy to conclude that the Internet is a prime example of a WAN. After all, the letter "W" in the abbreviation "WAN" means the word "wide" and the Internet is clearly the widest of all networks!

Different Types of Networks

Types of Network

1. LAN (Local Area Network) - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripherals that are connected in a limited area, such as a school, laboratory, and office building. It is a globally used network, for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other applications. The simplest type of LAN is connecting computers and printers in someone's home or office.

LAN (Local Area Network)

2. WAN (Wide Area Network) - WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that spans large geographical areas. A WAN network system can be a LAN connection that connects to other LANs using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to a business or organisation.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) -  A Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN, consists of a computer network across an entire city, university campus, or small region. This type of network is larger than a LAN, which is usually limited to a single building or location. The range of this type of network is from a few miles to tens of miles.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Terminology Related to Network

1. Search Engine: Software that searches web pages for specific information.

2. E-mail or Electronic Mail: One of the most used methods of communication or exchange of messages on the Internet.

3. Chat: Real-time text communication between two users via computers.

4. Video Conferencing: A service on the Internet that allows people in two or more locations to interact and communicate with each other through the transmission of audio and video.

5. Blog: A website or part of a website that contains personal journal-type entries in reverse chronological order.

6. E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services through electronic systems such as the Internet or other networks.

7. E-learning: The use of technology to enable people to learn anytime, anywhere.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Client Network

Client/Server Network - In client-server network relationships, some computers act as servers and others act as clients. A server is simply a computer that provides network resources and provides services to other computers when they request it. A client is a computer running a program that requests a service from the server. 

 Client/Server Network

Advantages:

• It is very safe.

• It gives better performance.

• It has centralised backup.

Disadvantages:

• It requires professional administration.

• It is more demanding on hardware and software.

• It requires expensive specialised software.

Points to Remember

• A global system of interconnected computers using a standardised set of Internet protocols to communicate and share information is called the Internet.

• Three types of networks are MAN, LAN, and WAN.

• A client-server network is one in which all available network resources, such as files, directories, applications, and shared devices, are centrally managed and hosted and then accessed by the client.

• A local area network (LAN) is based on a client-server network relationship.

Summary

A network connects multiple devices so that they communicate with each other. LAN, WAN, and MAN are its types. The Internet is also an example of a network. Client network is a special type used for work in offices or any other working place.

Learning by Doing

Choose the correct option.

Q1. The Internet is an example of which network?

1. WAN 

2. LAN 

3. MAN 

4. CAN 

Q2. For your home, you will choose which network?

1. WAN 

2. LAN 

3. MAN 

4. CAN 

Sample Questions

Q1. Write the advantages and disadvantages of LAN networks.

Ans: Advantages 

• Computer resources such as hard drives, DVD-ROMs, and printers can share local area networks. This significantly reduces the cost of purchasing a new computer. 

• You can use the same software on the network instead of buying new licensed software for each client on that network.

• The data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer.

Disadvantages 

• LANs do save costs by sharing computing resources, but the initial cost of setting up local area networks is quite high.

• The LAN administrator can check the personal information files of each LAN user, so it does not offer good privacy.

• A local area network requires constant LAN management as there are issues related to software setup and hardware failure.

Q2. Write the advantages and disadvantages of WAN networks.

Ans: Advantages 

• A WAN helps you cover a larger geographical area. Business offices located at greater distances can thus communicate easily.

• It includes devices like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, computers, game consoles, etc.

• A WLAN connection works using radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices.

Disadvantages 

• The initial investment cost of setting up is very high.

• It is difficult to maintain a WAN network. You need experienced technicians and network administrators.

• It offers less security compared to other types of computer networks.

Q3. Write the advantages and disadvantages of the MAN network.

Ans: Advantages 

• It offers fast communication using high-speed media such as optical cables.

• It provides excellent support for a large network and better access to WAN networks.

• The dual bus in the MAN network provides support for data transmission in both directions simultaneously.

Disadvantages 

• More cables are needed to establish a MAN connection.

• In the MAN network, it is difficult to secure the system against hackers.