WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRAIGHT THROUGH AND CROSSOVER CABLE?

WHAT IS A COMPUTER NETWORK?

An illustration of a computer network

A computer network is a collection of two or more computers, as well as other related devices, connected together so that information can be exchanged between or among them.

Advantages of Networking:

• Reduced costs.  - Everyone in the room can share a single printer and a single internet connection at the same time.

• Increased efficiency - The ability to access data, pictures, and files on any connected computer without saving them into an external data storage.

• Economical - Purchasing software network licenses is way more cheaper than purchasing individual licenses.

• More productivity - Sharing internet access can mean that everyone can work at the same time.

• Increased access to communication channels - Communicating with others is way more easier than ever before because of using email or Instant Messaging (IM) software.

• More efficient patching of software - Software updates need only be installed once. 

A patch is a piece of software designed to fix or update the data of a computer program.

Disadvantages of Networking:

• Network Failure - Activities that is depended on network can experience network failure. Once a network fails, the users lose access on the ability to communicate through email and the user also lose access to information. 

• Server error - Server faults may cause the user to lose access on certain applications and even from accessing the computer.

• Prone to Hackers - Your information and computer is vulnerable to hackers especially if the device is always connected to the Internet.

• Prone to Virus - Same as the hacker problem, the files, data and computer are risky and vulnerable to virus attacks. Virus attacks can be prevented by installing Anti - Virus software on the computer. 

• Location or Distance Problem - Other devices or resources can be located too far from your table.

Network Media Types

Computer Networks can be built using wired or wireless technology.

Wired Network

Wired Network is the most efficient and practical method of networking where computers are connected with cables.

Wired Connections are typically used at the network core to interconnect servers and network equipment.

Wireless Network

Wireless Network is a computer network that is not connected by any cables. 

Types of Computer Networks

There are many ways in classifying computer networks and one of them is by determining the range or scale of the actual network. The classification also depends on the geographical location that the network can reach or control.

Diagram of PAN

 Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network used to interconnect devices on an individual workplace. PAN can be used for connecting several devices, which typically involve a mobile computer, a cell phone and a handheld device such as a PDA. The network is used to transfer files including email, calendar appointments, digital photos, and music.

Personal area networks can be created using USB cables, Bluetooth, infrared, or other wireless technologies. It generally covers a network range of less than 10 meters and is viewed as a special type of Local Area Network.

Diagram of LAN

 Local Area Network (LAN) is a type of network where two to as much as hundreds of computers are connected with each other using a network sharing device known as a hub or switch to enable sharing of files, printers, and other resources. LAN can connect devices up to 100 meters. 

 Ethernet is the most common type of LAN hardware. It consists of a single cable with hosts attached to it through connectors, taps or transceivers. 

 Network Bridge connects different local area networks together and it is used to avoid congestion in the data when there are too many users. It was popular when switches were still too expensive to use.

Diagram of MAN

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a larger network than a LAN. It involves connecting several networks together that reside within a city, town or a metropolis. On a MAN, users may be several miles apart, but resources appear on the network just as if they were located within the same building, distance can reach up to 5 to 50 kms. A MAN is typically owned and operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.

Diagram of WAN

 Wide Area Network (WAN) is simply  a network consisting of interconnected LANs. It is usually dispersed over a very wide area, and it is not uncommon to see WANs reaching across continents to link office networks with one another in several international branch offices. WAN usually reach a distance of 50 to 100,000 kms. Router is a specialized network bridge used to set up a WAN.

Diagram of VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a method of point-to-point data communications between your network and another remote network or computer. 

Internet Service Provider (ISP) is used to access network. 

Different Examples of of local ISPs include:

1. PLDT

2. Converge

3. Smart

4. Globe