Network and Communication - GeeksforGeeks - EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN)

Introduction :

Network and Communication refer to the interconnected systems and devices that enable the transfer of data and information between various endpoints. The main components of a network and communication system include hardware devices such as computers, routers, switches, and modems, and software protocols that govern the flow of data between these devices.

Networks can be classified into several types, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wireless networks (Wi-Fi and cellular networks). Communication protocols, such as TCP/IP and HTTP, enable devices to communicate with each other by establishing a common language and set of rules for exchanging data.

The growth of technology has led to the development of advanced communication networks, such as the Internet, which has revolutionized the way people communicate and access information. The widespread use of networks and communication has allowed for increased collaboration, increased efficiency, and greater access to information and resources

A network is a set of devices (often referred to as nodes) connected by communication links. Or a network is simply two or more computers that are linked together. A node can be a computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending and/or receiving data generated by other nodes on the network. Benefits of a Network:

Information sharing – Authorized users can use other computers on the network to access and share information and data. This could include special group projects, databases, etc.
Hardware sharing – One device connected to a network, such as a printer or a scanner, can be shared by many users.
Software sharing – Instead of purchasing and installing a software program on each computer, it can be installed on the server. All of the users can then access the program from a single location.
Collaborative environment – Users can work together on group projects by combining the power and capabilities of diverse equipment.

Network Criteria: A network must meet the following network criteria:

Performance – It measured by transit time and response time[also depends on users, medium, hardware, software.
Reliability – It measured by the frequency of failure.
Security – It protecting data from unauthorized access.

Risks of network computing: The security of a computer network is challenged every day by:

Equipment malfunctions
System failures
Computer hackers
Virus attacks

Note: Equipment malfunctions and system failures may be caused by natural disasters such as floods, storms, or fires, and electrical disturbances Categories of Networks: It is categorized into three types: LAN, MAN, WAN. Into which categories of network falls is determined by its size, its ownership, the distance it covers, and its physical architecture.

LAN: It is usually privately owned and links the devices in a single office, building, or campus. Its size is limited to a few kilometres. It is designed to allow resources (h/w, s/w or data) to be shared between personal computers or workstations. In general, a given LAN will use only one type of transmission medium. The most common LAN topologies are bus, ring, and star.

Uses of LAN :

A Local Area Network (LAN) has several uses, including:

Resource Sharing: A LAN allows multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and storage devices, to share resources and access them from any device on the network.
Data Exchange: A LAN provides a high-speed communication channel for the exchange of data between devices on the network.
Internet Access: A LAN can provide shared internet access to all devices on the network.
Gaming: A LAN allows multiple users to play multiplayer games over the network.
File Sharing: A LAN enables the sharing of files and documents between multiple devices on the network.
Backup and Recovery: A LAN can provide backup and recovery services for data stored on network devices.
Centralized Management: A LAN allows centralized management of network resources, making it easier to monitor and manage the network.
Enhanced Productivity: A LAN can improve productivity by allowing multiple users to access and share resources, collaborate on projects, and exchange information more efficiently.

MAN: It is designed to extend over an entire city. A company can use MAN to connect the LANs in all its offices throughout a city. Maybe wholly owned and operated by a private company or it may be service provided by a public company (local telephone company).

Uses of MAN :

MAN refers to Metropolitan Area Network, it is a type of computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic region larger than a LAN (Local Area Network) but smaller than a WAN (Wide Area Network). Some common uses of a MAN are:

Data and resource sharing among different locations in a city or metropolitan area.
Interconnecting different LANs in a city or metropolitan area.
Delivering broadband services such as internet access, telephony and video conferencing.
Providing centralized data processing and storage facilities.
Supporting real-time data and video applications.
Connecting remote offices to the main corporate network.

WAN: It provides long-distance transmission of data over a country, a continent, or even the world wide. Maybe wholly owned and operated by a single company is referred to as an enterprise network.

Uses of WAN :

WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which refers to a computer network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city, country or even the world. Some common uses of WAN are:

Connecting remote locations, such as branch offices and telecommuters, to the main office or headquarters.
Sharing resources, such as printers and servers, among multiple locations.
Facilitating communication and collaboration between employees, customers and partners.
Providing remote access to business applications and data.
Supporting telecommuting and teleworking initiatives.
Delivering internet access, VPN (Virtual Private Network) services and other managed network services.
Enabling the transfer of large data files and multimedia content.

Uses of Network and Communication :

Network and communication systems play a crucial role in many areas of modern life, and they have a wide range of uses, including:

Data transmission: The transfer of data, such as files, images, and video, between computers and other devices.
Remote access: Enabling employees to access company resources, such as applications and data, from remote locations.
E-commerce: Facilitating online transactions and commerce, such as online shopping and banking.
Telecommuting: Allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations using network and communication systems.
Teleconferencing: Enabling real-time audio and video communication between individuals or groups in different locations.
Resource sharing: Sharing resources such as printers, scanners, and storage devices among multiple computers and users.
Online gaming: Enabling multiplayer gaming experiences and connecting players from around the world.
Cloud computing: Providing access to shared computing resources and applications over the internet.
Social networking: Connecting people through social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter.
IoT (Internet of Things): Connecting and communicating with smart devices and other IoT-enabled products.

These are just a few examples of the many uses of network and communication systems in today’s digital world.

Issues of Network and Communication :

There are several issues that can arise in a network and communication environment, which can negatively impact the performance and reliability of these systems. Some common issues are:

Network congestion: Overloading of the network due to high traffic volume, leading to slow performance and dropped packets.
Security threats: Viruses, malware, hacking and other security breaches can compromise network and data security.
Interference: Interference from other devices and signals can negatively impact network performance, causing dropped packets and slow speeds.
Latency: Delays in data transmission due to long distances or congested network links.
Compatibility issues: Different devices and software platforms may not be compatible with each other, leading to connectivity problems.
Configuration errors: Incorrect configuration of network devices and software can result in connectivity issues and reduced performance.
Outdated hardware and software: Outdated network components can cause compatibility issues, reduce performance and increase security risks.
Scalability issues: The network may not be able to handle increasing demand, leading to performance degradation and network downtime.
Reliability and availability: Network outages, hardware failures, and other reliability and availability issues can impact the functioning of the network.