1.What is computer network? Explain the components of the computer network. 2. What is the need of the network? 3. What is communication channel/medium? Explain all the guided and unguided communication medium.
Answers
computer network is a system in which computer are connected to share the information. this means that every computer in the network can send information to the others.
Answer:
A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range of users. Networks are commonly categorized based on their characteristics.
Computer network requires the following devices (some of them are optional):-
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Hub
• Switches
• Cables and connectors
• Router
• Modem
Network adapter is a device that enables a computer to talk with other computer/network. Using unique hardware addresses (MAC address) encoded on the card chip, the data-link protocol employs these addresses to discover other systems on the network so that it can transfer data to the right destination.
2. Hub
Hub is a device that splits a network connection into multiple computers. It is like a distribution center. When a computer request information from a network or a specific computer, it sends the request to the hub through a cable. The hub will receive the request and transmit it to the entire network. Each computer in the network should then figure out whether the broadcast data is for them or not
3. Switch
Switch is a telecommunication device grouped as one of computer network components. Switch is like a Hub but built in with advanced features. It uses physical device addresses in each incoming messages so that it can deliver the message to the right destination or port.
4. Cables and connectors
Cable is one way of transmission media which can transmit communication signals. The wired network typology uses special type of cable to connect computers on a network.
Twisted pair wire
Coaxial cable
Fiber-optic cable
5. Router
When we talk about computer network components, the other device that used to connect a LAN with an internet connection is called Router. When you have two distinct networks (LANs) or want to share a single internet connection to multiple computers, we use a Router
6. Modems
A modem enables you to connect your computer to the available internet connection over the existing telephone line. Like NIC, Modem is not integrated with a computer motherboard. It comes as separate part which can be installed on the PCI slots found on motherboard.
ANSWER 2
The following are the important uses and benefits of a computer network.
File sharing: Networking of computers helps the network users to share data files.
Hardware sharing: Users can share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard drives etc. Without computer networks, device sharing is not possible.
Application sharing: Applications can be shared over the network, and this allows to implement client/server applications
User communication: Networks allow users to communicate using e-mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing etc.
Network gaming: A lot of network games are available, which allow multi-users to play from different locations.
Voice over IP (VoIP): Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) is a revolutionary change in telecommunication which allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard Internet Protocol (IP) rather than by traditional PSTN.