Several computers either placed in a room, building or at
different places; can be connected together through a communication media which
might be a physical cable or a wireless connection. The connection among different
computers in a network must be reliable to share information and valuable
resources.
Examples of Computer Networks
Computer Network is the need of every organization today. Different institutions tend to use computer networks for connecting computers in various departments. Two most common examples of computer networks are given ahead:
1. Small office network setup: Computer networking in an office is established for people in several
departments to access accepted notifications and declarations. Workers, sitting
in their office cabins; can share mails and receive required documents and
soft copy files from other employees through the computer network. Computer networking
allows multiple computers in a department to share costly resources like
printers, CD-ROM drives, hard disks etc.
2. Use of Internet: One of the examples of computer networks that has
actually taken the world by storm; is Internet. People are taking advantage of
this computer network which connects millions of computers all over the world.
Users can share files, information and can communicate worldwide using
Internet.
3 Important Network Criteria
In order to establish a reliable and efficient networking system, network criteria must be given proper attention. 3 important network criteria are mentioned below:
1. Performance
A Network performance usually depends upon the transit time and response time. "The time that is required for a message to travel from one device to another is usually considered as transit time" whereas response time is the time elapsed between an inquiry and the response. Also the network performance depends upon the number of users, type of transmission medium as well as the hardware and software being utilized.
The performance of a network is guesstimated by two matrices
called throughput and delay. It has been experienced that a
higher throughput and less delays mean better performance. The throughput is
increased by sending more data to the network. However, it may results in increased
delay due to blockage in the network.
2. Reliability
Various factors help us measure the network reliability. One of these factors includes "accuracy of data delivery". It means that the data that is to be transmitted over a network must be forwarded precisely without any error. Another considerable factor is “frequency of failure" i.e. how much times the data is failed to travel across the network precisely. The time taken to recover from failure of a network is also a major factor when it comes to reliability of a computer network.
3. Computer Network Security
Data protection is the fundamental factor of network criteria. Security risks can cause unauthorized data access and damage. Network security also includes the procedures for data recovery if it is lost somehow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network
Though a computer network can solve many critical problems of data sharing and resource sharing by connecting several computers through a wireless or physical medium. Some important advantages and disadvantages of computer network have been discussed below.
Advantages of using a Computer Network
Since computer is the requirement of every field of life, computer networks have also become the foremost necessity of every field so that computers can be made more applicable and advantageous. Some advantages of computer network are illuminated below.
- Information and Resource sharing through Computer Network
Networks have been set up for solving data exchange and
sharing problems. Sometimes, particular information is needed to share with more
than one person. In such case; it becomes a sort of trouble if it is sent
individually to every single person without using network. However; network
makes it easy and less time consuming to share a particular information or
notification to everyone who wants it at the required time.
Besides sharing data and files; computer networking also
enables its users to share resources like printer; hard disk; CD ROM etc.
- Networking saves money
Instead of purchasing a separate copy for each computer; today network users are striving to get to learn that how to connect computers over a network so that same software can be used for all computers. Thus computer
networks can save a lot of money making it possible for users to share
expensive resources like printer, programs, CD-ROM etc.
- Computer Communication and Networks
Wide Area Network like Internet is becoming the huge source
of communication worldwide. Users can have live Skype call with their
relatives anywhere in the world using Internet. Social networking websites keep
the users aware of world affairs and they can also communicate with their
friends and family or can text them using various apps like whats app or
Messenger.
- Internet Connection Sharing
A single Internet connection can be shared by more than two
persons through small computer networks. For that purpose; special type of
hardware devices allocates the bandwidth of connection to various individuals.
- Network Security in Computer Network
A network has the ability to manage and protect company's
captious data efficiently. Instead of storing data on different computers, it’s
more risk-less to centralize data on shared servers so that every user can find
the data easily and taking data backup would be more convenient.
- Impact of Internet on Entertainment
Internet is treasured with entertaining games to play online, live
videos and much more exciting stuff. Thus Internet has become a great source of
fun and enjoyment.
Disadvantages of using a Computer Network
Though Computer Network has been proving tremendously constructive in every field today; yet there are some facts due to which networks are somehow disadvantageous.
- Networks cause costly setup
For a computer network setup; investment is required for
hardware, software, planning, designing and implementing the network. Though
using a computer network; multiple computers can share a particular resource. However;
it’s also a fact that setting up computer networks properly might be costly at the
beginning.
Moreover; managing a computer network is a complicated task
too. Proper training is required for this purpose or a network manager needs to
be employed.
- Networks allow undesirable sharing
The sharing of unwanted data might be troublesome while using
a computer network. Computer network allows undesirable data sharing due to
which harmful viruses can easily spread over the networks especially over Internet.
Networks can also be used for abuse of company resources.
Some users use Internet to download illegal material thus becoming cyber
criminals. However; larger and well established organizations manage these
issues through monitoring.
- Networks may be insecure for important data
A poorly secured computer network might be risky for your
personal and private data. It can expose your data to hackers who can authorize
your private documents illegally.
Hence; often we have to face the questions like "what is computer network?" or "What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network?" whenever a computer network is needed to install in order to fulfill the requirements of our business or organization department. The obtainable answer should not be only "a connection of computers" but a reliable and secure connection that does not fail frequently and can help multiple computers share information and resources efficiently.
Hence; often we have to face the questions like "what is computer network?" or "What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network?" whenever a computer network is needed to install in order to fulfill the requirements of our business or organization department. The obtainable answer should not be only "a connection of computers" but a reliable and secure connection that does not fail frequently and can help multiple computers share information and resources efficiently.
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