A network connects systems and allows them to communicate using shared resources. This means that computers can interact with each other both physically and logically in a connected world.
What is a Computer Network?
Computer networks have different physical and connection structures. They also differ in the way data flows. Some networks allow many computers to share resources to improve connectivity.
A group of connected PCs forms a network. People use this network to share information. This makes it easy for them to share information quickly and efficiently.
History of Computer Networks
A computer network has evolved to meet communication needs. Like a spider web, they connect individuals and businesses.
In the 1980s, Datapoint Corporation developed the ARCNET protocol for networking. The first networking used was the ARCNET protocol by Datapoint Corp. In the 1980s, they created it for networking purposes.
A computer network uses coaxial cables and 2.5 Mbps data transfer, which is considered high speed. At the time, users shared information via parallel or serial ports due to slow data transmission.
The first computer network emerged 35 years ago during the Cold War. At UCLA in the US, scientists used a cable to connect two computers to stream data from one machine to another. Nowadays, computer networks are prevalent and sophisticated.
This development began ARPANET, the precursor to what we now know as the Internet.
In the Cold War, Arpanet centralized US military information. Later, the Internet evolved from Arpanet technology. Goal: Ensure access to military information during a national attack. Thus, data could be readily available for defense.
Arpanet usage expanded, and US institutions built remote nodes. Furthermore, Stanford Research Institute and the University of Utah participated. The first communication system used TCP/IP protocol as standard. Later on, this protocol became a networking norm.
We recognize TCP/IP as an Internet network that facilitates information sharing. So info could flow smoothly across structures. In 1983, Paul Mockapetris and Jon Postel created DNS. Since then, DNS has become essential for the Internet.
Network Developments in the 1990s
Improvements led to rapid computer network growth in the 1990s. As a result of this, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. Tim Berners invented WWW but didn’t patent it. As a result, Internet development faced fewer obstacles.
Achievements led to a knighthood from the British royal family. Additionally, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 20 most significant thinkers of the 20th century.
1940s computers were massive and prone to failure. In 1947, the invention of the semiconductor transistor led to smaller and more robust PCs.
In the 1950s, large corporations used mainframe computers with punch card programs. Additionally, they became a regular tool for large corporations in the 1950s.
Researchers developed an integrated circuit combining millions of transistors. So, it became a compact semiconductor towards the end of this decade.
During the 1960s, the widespread use of integrated circuits commenced. In the late 1960s and 1970s, inventors introduced smaller computers known as minicomputers. However, these devices still need to be faster by modern standards.
In 1977, Apple introduced the personal computer. Additionally, in 1981, IBM followed suit with its version.
Developments After Minimized Circuits
Disadvantage: Direct communication is required between people who know it. As a result, only those familiar with the bulletin board could use it. Furthermore, every connection to the bulletin board computer required a modem.
Five simultaneous connections require five modems on separate lines. However, as the number of users increased, the system needed help to handle the growing demand.
During the 1960s to 1990s, the DoD (United States Department of Defense) created reliable WAN tech. So, it effectively served military and scientific purposes.
Tech operated differently from bulletin boards, allowing much computer communication. As a result of this, several computers could communicate using this technology.
A computer network is not just about devices; it also provides efficient data transfer between them. Thus, it became possible to access many computers over the same connection. As a result of this development, DoD WAN technology evolved into today’s Internet.
What is the Data Transmission Media in Networking?
The medium determines computer network speed, distance, and topology. Thus, it affects how fast information travels and the effective distance between devices in the area.
Copper or coaxial cables: 100 Mbps over short distances. In contrast, several thousand bps over long distances. Optical fibers: high speeds over long distances possible. Moreover, they also provide data transmission to remote locations at very high speeds.
Wireless connections send data up to 100 meters. As a result, it is possible to send packages wirelessly over varying distances within these ranges.
How are Computer Structures Organized?
A computer environment comprises three components:
- Application Software
Application software: communicates with users on the Internet. Thus, it enables the sharing of information and resources.
- Network Software
It includes the protocols required for computers to communicate with each other. These protocols work by sending and receiving data blocks called packets.
- Hardware Software
Hardware components unite computers in a central environment. As a result, they create a networked system.
Adapter hardware: carries signals, connects devices, receives packets, and transmits. Also, it provides access to the hardware that attaches devices.
Networking allows contact between PCs and devices. Moreover, users can transfer info electronically with ease.
In these structures, some devices are workstations. Additionally, they communicate via a cable or telephone line connected to the servers.
Servers are devices with managing functions that allow monitoring and control. Also, they maintain access to the domain and shared resources.
What Are the Types of Computer Networks?
- Shared
Shared systems involve many users sharing info needs. So, they provide centralized transfers for everyone involved.
- Non-Public
Non-public structures connect two or more points only. But they need more security, speed, or other features. Users use this system for point-to-point and multi-point environments.
- Private
Private individuals, companies, or organizations manage the computer network environment. After all, they use it to grant administrators access to certain services.
- Public
Government agencies own this open structure based on contracts. Furthermore, it focuses on user requests and relevant agreements.
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
LAN connects computers with high-speed lines in one building. Additionally, it interconnects its equipment within a limited area. Leading LAN technologies are Ethernet, Token Ring, ARCNET, and FDDI. LANs commonly use these technologies.
A typical LAN has a server where users install applications. So they can run these applications on their workstations. Users access services through applications running on the server. Thus, they can use print jobs and other features.
- Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
A MAN links PCs across an area with many buildings. Additionally, it utilizes devices owned by the same organization to interconnect the equipment.
MAN often connects LANs to create more extensive networks. Thus, it is widely used to connect LANs.
- Wide Area Networks (WAN)
A WAN is an interconnection system of geographically dispersed computers on different continents. These usually consist of public data transfer environments.
Network Topology Types
Networks decide how cables connect computers. Also, network topologies determine the layout of the wires connecting the PCs.
Topologies give cheap, efficient connections to enhance reliability. Likewise, they reduce info waiting times and offer better network management. Also, they efficiently increase the number of devices.
Computer network topologies are:
- Bus Topology
Bus network: PCs on a single communication channel. Hence, all devices connect through one cable.
- Ring Topology
A ring network: computers in a circular sequence. Furthermore, each PC connects to the next, terminating the circle. Devices connect directly to the server for all communication. Additionally, this contact process occurs through the server.
- Star Topology
Star network: nodes form a tree-like structure. Furthermore, this format resembles a series of connected star networks.
- Tree Topology
In the tree network type, individual connections join PCs together in a tree topology. This connection type also allows parallel communication when needed.
- Mesh Topology
Local networks use hubs or switches for hierarchical topology. Moreover, this structure creates a complex environment in most networks.
Basic Network Protocol in Networking: TCP/IP
Protocols are standards for transferring data between devices. Furthermore, they determine the method of info among PCs.
The PC’s ability to connect networks has led to the development of many protocols. Furthermore, the same PC can establish connections with many networks.
Adapters in a system can use many protocols. Furthermore, every configured protocol is available to existing physical or logical adapters.
Malfunctioning devices and protocols allow unauthorized access to network resources. Moreover, if they need to work correctly, they pose security risks.
In the late 1960s, the TCP/IP connected devices with different OSes. Moreover, it allows seamless communication across diverse operating systems.
Some Types of Services Running in a Computer Network Environment
An effective computer environment requires these essential services. Moreover, it must provide the following set of services.
- Access Service
Access services enable users to connect from remote locations. So, they allow authentication to decide the resources available.
- File Service
File service enables downloading, deleting, or configuring user data. Also, it works on PCs connected to the web.
Service stores the applications and data on the server. Thus effectively reducing computer storage needs.
- Print Service
Printing service shares printers among many users. Furthermore, it plays a vital position in reducing the firm’s costs.
- E-Mail Service
E-mail service is the most common application used within a computer network. This service provides convenience in online communication and reduces costs in information transfer.
- Information Service
Information service provides access to files based on content. Moreover, it includes info for apps to process.
Benefits of Building a Networking
Networking efficiently centralizes and distributes data within an organization. As a result, it provides info to users who request it.
Networking makes interacting with others, having video calls, and doing so possible. It lets you check online buying, money, and real-time data transfer.
Conclusion
To summarize, the network provides data communication in the environment created by multiple devices. In this way, we can share information by communicating between PCs. Our lives became more straightforward because they achieved rapid growth from the 1980s to the 1990s.
In addition, we see that today’s network structures have emerged as personal computers have advanced considerably. For this reason, we can both transfer information and collaborate.
In short, if we look at its history to the present, I can say that it has tremendously affected our future. Today, many types of networks have emerged, and we can now easily communicate with all our devices!
TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!
