WEEK ONE: COMPUTER NETWORKING
Computer network is the sharing of data (information) between a set of connected computers.
Computer networking has become one of the most successful ways of sharing information, where all computers are wirelessly linked together by a common network.
TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
The types of computer network are as follows:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
1. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
LAN is a set of computers connected together, usually within the same building.
For example – resident, school, laboratory, office within the same building.
2. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
MAN is a set of computers connected together, usually within the same city.
For example – Lagos state.
3. WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
WAN is a world wide network.
It connects large number of computers together.
COMPUTER NETWORK REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for computer network are as follows:
1. Connecting cables
2. A central computer
3. Other computers
4. Switch or Hub
5. Network card for each computer
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
Main benefits of networks include:
1. It enhances communication and availability of information.
2. It allows for more convenient resource sharing.
For example, printers, scanners and copiers, or sharing software between multiple users, saves money.
3. It makes file sharing easier between different users.
4. It is highly flexible.
5. Sharing a single internet connection is cost-efficient and can help protect your systems if you properly secure the network. It is an inexpensive system.
6. It boosts and increase storage capacity such as images and music.
7. It increases cost efficiency.
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
The disadvantages of computer network are as follows:
1. It lacks privacy.
2. It poses security difficulties.
3. It lacks robustness.
4. It allows for more presence of computer viruses and malware.
5. Its light policing usage promotes negative acts.
6. It requires an expensive set-up.
USES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
The computer networks are useful to the organizations in the following ways:
1. Resource sharing.
2. For providing high reliability.
3. To save money.
4. It can provide a powerful communication medium.
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Network topology is the arrangement and description of a computer network.
TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGY
The types of computer network are as follows:
1. Bus topology
2. Ring topology
3. Star topology
1. BUS TOPOLOGY
Bus topology is a type of network where all the computers are connected to a single cable.
2. RING TOPOLOGY
Ring topology is a type of network where all computer are connected to create a circular data path.
3. STAR TOPOLOGY
Star topology is a network where all computer are connected at a central point.
3. MESH TOPOLOGY
Mesh topology is a network where all the computer are interconnected with one another.
5. TREE TOPOLOGY
Tree topology is a network where all the computers are connected like a branches of a tree.
6. POINT TO POINT TOPOLOGY
Point to point topology is a network where two or more computer are connected to one another direct in a line.
