1. Advantages Of Computer Network Pdf Free
2. Benefits Of Computer Networking
3. Disadvantages Computer Network
4. Advantages Of Computer Network Pdf Software
5. Advantages Of Computer Networks Pdf
6. Advantages Of Computer Network Pdf Format

Information is the building block for effective communication. Communication is the universal currency that knits us together and drives our day to day operations. Computer networking is a favorite among many businesses.

One of the greatest benefits of installing a network at a school is the fact that all of the software can be loaded on one computer (the file server). This eliminates that need to spend time and energy installing updates and tracking files on independent computers throughout the building. Definition of wide area network (WAN) Wide area network (WAN) is a type of network that provides transmission of voice, data, images, and videos over the large geographical area. WAN is made with the combinations of LAN and MAN. The transmission of data is carried out with the help of hubs, switches, fiber optics, modem, and routers. To transfer data from any computer over the internet we use.

Personal Area Network (PAN).A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants, in proximity to an individual's body.The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters. They even had made a significant impact in business, now businessman prefers to use a computer to a huge extent they have made their business life so peaceful that now they can perform multitasking, with almost 100% accuracy, The advantages of computer in research has made the scientist to solve complex to complex problems with ease before. The important Advantages/Benefits of Computer Network and uses are the following. File sharing It provides access to digital media, such as a computer, programs, electronic book or documents.

You’re probably thinking how important is networking? This mainstream technology has proven to be an effective means to enhance proficient, flexible and streamlined communication while maximizing on productivity and resources.

What is computer networking?

According to managed it services Toronto provider PCM Canada, Computer networking is a pool of integrated computers configured to one another. Computer networks or data networks are chains of nodes linked by communication channels. The nodes receive, transmit and exchange data between endpoints. The data transmitted is in the form of voice or video traffic.

How do you network two computers? Wired Ethernet cables or wireless radio waves connect the computers. This blend of technologies relies on defined algorithms to transmit data between specified endpoints. The endpoints include computer servers, mobile devices, and tablets among others.

Computer networking enhances seamless communication, cohesive functioning, and resource sharing.

Types of computer networks

There are several types of computer networks. The critical difference lies in the geographical areas they serve and their core purpose. These include:

Personal Area Networks (PAN)

Personal Area Networks are interconnected technology devices that serve a single individual within one facility. PAN is accessible within a distance of 10 meters and is a suitable option for small offices or residences. PAN-enabled devices include telephones, computers, video game consoles, and peripheral devices. PAN provides maximum flexibility. You can upload pictures or stream music and videos online to your device.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LANs are limited to a single building like an official establishment. LAN covers a defined area. LAN is essential for resource sharing including file servers, printers and data storage. LAN hardware such as ethernet cables and hubs are affordable to acquire and maintain.

Small LANs manage 2 or 3 computers while large LANs host thousands of servers. Internet connectivity can either be wired or wireless. LAN is popular with many establishments due to its high speed and low set up costs.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

MAN covers a distinctly larger are than LAN. MAN consists of configured computers covering a town, city or campus. Depending on the connection, MAN can connect a single area or traverse several miles. MAN is a series of several LANs linked to create a greater network, also known as Campus Area Network (CAN) or Campus Networks.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

WAN covers a larger geographical area than MAN. The network connects a country or even continents. And the computers are interlinked by cables, optical fibers or satellites. Most users can access the network via modems. WANs consist of smaller several networks of LANs and MANs. The internet which consists of networks and gateways is an example of a public WAN.

Home Area Network (HAN)

HAN is a computer network limited to a defined boundary like a house or home office. HAN is a type of IP based LAN which can be either wired or wireless. HAN is a broadband connection available to several users using a wired or wireless modem. It consists of shared devices like faxes, printers, scanners or data storages.

Importance of computer networking

There are several reasons why networking is essential to a business, institution or individual. These benefits include:

Cut back on costs

Why are networks important? You can cut back on costs and allow for efficient use of resources. Hardware is the priciest resource in technology. Computer networks reduce your hardware costs significantly.
Since the computers are interconnected, resource pooling is efficient. Printers, copiers and backup storages are shared among employees. This eliminates the need to buy single IT assets for each employee. Unlike traditional desktops, you don’t need frequent software installations. You only need to install updates and track performance.

Boost storage capacity and volume

Computer networks pools their entire data to a central data storage server. This data is accessible to your employees. You can use the data to gain insights on how to boost your company’s productivity. With a central server, you lower the number of storage servers needed. And you increase the efficiency of operations.

Optimize convenience and flexibility

Computer networks enable flexible operations. The data is not stored in a local server making it accessible with internet connectivity. You can access your data from any device. This enhances free movement while accessing your data wherever you may be.

Streamline communication

Computer networking is a massive boon to the communication landscape. Networking allows you to send and receive text messages and files in real time. Information is available and easy to access from any device. You only need a reliable internet connection. Even if your device shuts down, you log in from a different device and access your data.

Drawbacks of computer networking

Despite their many advantages, computer networks present a fair share of setbacks of concern to your business. These include:

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Unsecured network

Data servers expose your information to man-in-the-middle attacks and viruses. Employees can download and exchange corrupt files which expose your server to viruses and malware. Shared resources open doors of opportunities for security breaches. Hackers can easily snoop on your data.

Cost prohibitive

Installing standard networking hardware can set you back by thousands of dollars. Small equipment such as modern routers is expensive. The networks also need regular monitoring and maintenance. You will have to consult the services of a professional.

Low productivity

Computer networks are flexible, but employee productivity is a concern. The internet presents a minefield of distractions. Employees may engage in unsolicited file sharing or instant messaging during work hours.
Even though most companies have drafted work regulations, policing employees is an uphill battle.

Bottom line

Quality technological solutions are a significant determinant of the success of any business. Computer networks are essential technology solutions for your business. Computer networking offers immense technological solutions to businesses and institutions in various formats. Networking pros include inexpensive setups and maximum utilization of available resources. You get to streamline communications within and outside your organization.

“To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace”- Doug Conant.

Network refers to the set of devices (nodes) connected by communication links. A node can be a computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending and/or receiving data generated by other devices on the network.

A network is categories into three types such as Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). And in this article, we will cover all about Local Area Network (LAN).

Local Area Network (LAN)

Local area network is the computer network that connects computers within the limited area such as schools, colleges or universities.

Local area networks, generally called LANs, are privately-owned networks. They provide a useful way of sharing resources between end users. The resources such as printers, file servers, scanners, and internet are easily sharable among other connected computers in a network.

LANs are distinguished from other kinds of networks by three characteristics:

1. Their transmission technology
2. Their size
3. Their topology

Transmission Technology used in LANs

local area networks use either Wi-Fi or Ethernet to connect computer and devices in a network.

A typical Wi-Fi LAN operates one or more wireless access points that devices within coverage area connect to. These access points, manage network traffic which is flowing to and from the connected devices. In our home, school, office’s LAN, wireless broadband routers perform the functions of an access point.

A typical Ethernet LAN consisting of an ethernet cable to which all the machines are attached, like in our school labs, number of computers connected to each other through the common ethernet cable.

Though Ethernet and Wi-Fi are usually used in most home and office-based Local area networks, because of both the low cost and speed requirements, you can also set up a LAN with fiber optics which is more costly and provide better communication speed compared to Ethernet LAN or Wi-fi LAN.

Traditional LANs run at speeds of 10 to 100 Mbps (but now much higher speeds can be achieved) but newer LANs operate at up to 10 Gbps speed.

Also read:What is WAN Network? Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN

Size of LANs

LANs are restricted in size, a local network can contain anywhere from one or two devices up to a thousand devices. Some devices like printers, scanners, and other servers stay permanently with the LAN while mobile devices like computers, laptops, and phones may connect and disconnect from the network at various times.

LAN size depends on the transmission technology used in a network. For example, The size of Wi-fi LAN can be the actual coverage area of the wireless broadband routers whereas the size of an Ethernet LAN can be up to the size of the cable.

In both cases, though, Local Area Networks can be extended to cover much larger distances if required, by connecting together multiple access points or cables through a switch or hub.

Benefits Of Computer Networking

The size of Local area networks is smaller than the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN).

Topologies used in LANs

Various topologies are possible to form a LANs but three core forms can be identified easily as follows:

Disadvantages Computer Network

Bus topology: All devices are connected to a backbone cable, called the bus. The Bus networks are relatively less costly and very easy to install for small networks. Ethernet systems use a bus topology.

For more detail:WHAT IS BUS TOPOLOGY? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY

Ring topology: All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to the neighboring device, one on either side of it. Ring topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to install, but they offer high bandwidth and can cover large distances.

For more detail:WHAT IS RING TOPOLOGY? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RING TOPOLOGY

Star topology: All devices are connected to a central hub device. Star networks are relatively easy to install and manage, but bottlenecks can occur because all data must pass through the hub.

For more detail:WHAT IS STAR TOPOLOGY? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY

These topologies can also be mixed to perform better. For example, a bus-star network consists of a high-bandwidth bus, which connects a collection of slower-bandwidth star segments.

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Characteristics of Local Area Network

• LANs are private owned-network, can be extended up to a few kilometers.
• LANs operate at relatively high speed as compared to the typical WAN
• It connects computers within a single office, building, block or campus, i.e. they work in a relatively small geographical area.

Advantages of LAN

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1. Resource Sharing: LAN provides resource sharing such as computer resources like printers, scanners, modems, DVD-ROM drives, and hard disks can be shared within the connected devices. This reduces cost and hardware purchases.
2. Software Applications Sharing: In a Local Area Network, it is easy to use the same software in a number of computers connected to a network instead of purchasing the separately licensed software for each client a network.
3. Easy and Cheap Communication: Data and messages can easily be shared with the other computer connected to the network.
4. Centralized Data: The data of all network users can be stored on a hard disk of the central/server computer. This help users to use any computer in a network to access the required data.
5. Data Security: Since data is stored on the server computer, it will be easy to manage data at only one place and the data will be more secure too.
6. Internet Sharing: Local Area Network provides the facility to share a single internet connection among all the LAN users. In school labs and internet Cafes, single internet connection is used to provide internet to all connected computers.

Disadvantages of LAN

1. High Setup Cost: The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is special software required to make a server. Also, communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers, cables are costly.
2. Privacy Violations: The LAN administrator can see and check personal data files of each and every LAN user. Moreover, he can view the computer and internet history of the LAN user.
3. Data Security Threat: Unauthorised users can access important data of an office or campus if a server hard disk is not properly secured by the LAN administrator.
4. LAN Maintenance Job:Local Area Network requires a LAN Administrator because there are problems such as software installations, program faults or hardware failures or cable disturbances in Local Area Network. A LAN Administrator is required to maintain these issues.
5. Covers Limited Area: LANs are restricted in size they cover a small area like a single office, single building or a group of nearby buildings.

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