What is the Network?

A network is a connected system of two or more devices together to share resources. The devices such as computers, mobiles, tablets, etc. are connected to share resources like files, websites, movies, songs, etc. There are different types of networks known as Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN). Internet is the biggest computer network in the world.

A network is comprised of sender and receiver devices. They can be identified as the basic elements of a network. It includes different types of components as Switches, Hubs, Routers, Bridges, Gateways, Modems, CSU/DSU, Wireless Access Points (WAP), Network Interface Cards (NIC), Firewalls, ISDN Adapters, and Transceivers.

The sender passes messages through signals. The signal acts as the distributer between sender and receiver. When sharing the messages between these two components, there are some rules and structures to be followed. This structure is known as the Protocol. One of the most popular protocols is IPV4 (Internet Protocol Version 4).

What are the advantages of Networking?

• Personal Communication :
  People can communicate with each other using e-mails, text messages, voice messages, and video calls.

• Concurrent Access :
  Many users can use the same data at the same time. It depends on the accuracy of network elements.

• Shared Peripheral Devices :
  Networking facilitates the sharing of many devices such as printers and scanners. This is very advantageous in small scale business since they can use networking to share highly expensive devices like laser printers among all the users at the same time.

• Easier Data Backup :
  Data is a very important and valuable part of the business. Networking ease the process of getting a backup of all the data very shortly.

What are the disadvantages of Networking?

• Can be expensive :
  Some networks have a lot of devices and software which can be highly expensive.

• Security Problems :
  Personal data can be shared with other people with some illegal activities.
• Virus and malware attack