Networks

A network can be defined as a group of computers and other devices connected in some ways so as to be able to exchange data.

Each of the devices on the network can be thought of as a node; each node has a unique address.

Addresses are numeric quantities that are easy for computers to work with, but not for humans to remember.

Example: 204.160.241.98

Some networks also provide names that humans can more easily remember than numbers.

Networks also vary considerably in terms of the roles and responsibilities of the computers on that network and the relationships that tie those machines together. A computer totally disconnected from other devices is typically referred to as a standalone machine.

Types of Networks

There are two principle kinds of networks: Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs).

• WANs: Cover cities, countries, and continents.

• LANs: Cover buildings or a set of closely related buildings.

Protocols

-Define the rules that govern the communications between two computers connected to the network.

-Roles: addressing and routing of messages, error detection and recovery, sequence and flow controls etc.

-A protocol specification consists of the syntax, which defines the kinds and formats of the messages exchanged, and the semantic, which specifies the action taken by each entity when specific events occur.

Networking offers a variety of advantages for many nonprofits, charities, and libraries over standalone machines, but they're not necessarily needed for every office or work scenario. Continue reading the other parts of our Networks 101 series to better assess your needs and see what options are out there to fit them.

Bibliography:

Basic Networking Concepts.

URL: http://www.ece.uvic.ca/~itraore/elec567-13/notes/dist-03-4.pdf

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