Computer Networking
Computer Networking is of mainly two kinds i) client-server and ii) peer to peer. In the client server computing, a computer plays a major role known as server, where the files, data in the form of web pages, documents or spread sheet files, video, database & resources are kept.
All the other computers in the client/server networks are called clients and they can get the data from the server. In the peer to peer networks all the computers act the same role and no computer function as a centralized server. In the major businesses across the world client-server networks model is in fundamental use.
Network topology defines the structure, design or layout of a network. There are different topologies like bus, ring, star, mesh, hybrid etc. The star topology is most commonly used topology. In this topology, all computers in the network are connected with a centralized device such as hub or switch. Thus forms a star like structure. If the hubs/switch gets failed to work for any cause then all the connectivity and communication between the computers will be halted.
The computers use common communication language and the communication devices are known as protocols. The most commonly used and popular protocol on the internet and in the home and other networks is called TCP/IP. TCP/IP is not a single protocol but it is a suite of several protocols. A computer network can be a wired or wireless and TCP/IP protocol can work both in types of a network. Data flow or communication can be divided into seven logical layers called OSI layers model that was developed by Intel and Xerox Corporation and was standardized by ISO.
1. Session layer
2. Presentation layer
3. Data Link layer
4. Transport layer
5. Network layer
6. Application layer
a. Media access control sub-layer
b. Physical layer
7. Logical link control sub-layer
A network can be divided into different scales and ranges and it depends on the requirement of the organization and the geographical location. Computer Network can be divided into Local Area Network (LAN), Personal Area Network (PAC), Campus Area Network (CAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLA), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Many communication connection methods are there like Home PNA, Power line communication, Ethernet and Wifi connection method.
A network can also be categorized into several different types based on the services it provides like Server farms, Storage area networks, Value control networks, Value-Added networks, SOHO networks, Wireless and Jungle networks.
