DEFINITION AND TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
The
word "computer network" may be familiar to our ears, since almost
every day we involve computer network in our work. Computer network is a system consisting of two or more computers
connected to each other through transmission media or communication media so
that they can share data, applications or share computer hardware.
The
term computer network itself can also be interpreted as a collection of a
number of communication terminals consisting of two or more computers connected
to each other. The purpose of building a computer network is
so that information / data transmitter (transmitter) can get to the receiver
(receiver) with precise and accurate.
Computer
network allows users to communicate with each other easily. In addition, the role of computer networks is needed to integrate
data between client computers so that obtained a relevant data.
Benefits of Computer Networking
Talk
about the benefits of computer networking. There are many benefits of computer networks, including:
a.
With a computer network, we can access the files we have at once the files of
others who have been disseminated through a network, such as Internet network.
b.
Through computer network, we can make the process of sending data quickly and
efficiently.
c.
Computer networks help people connect with people from different countries
easily.
d.
In addition, users can also send text, images, audio, or video in real time
with the help of computer networks.
e.
We can access news or information very easily through the internet because the
Internet is one example of computer networks.
f.
Suppose that in an office requires a printer, we do not need to buy a number of
printers with computers contained in the office. We just buy one printer only
for use by all office employees with the help of computer network
Computer Networks
Generally,
computer networks are grouped into 5 categories, ie based on geographical
reach, distribution of information resources / data, data transmission media,
the role and relationship of each computer in processing data, and based on the
type of topology used. Here's the full description:
A. Based on Geographic
Reach
1. LAN
Local
Area Network or often abbreviated with the LAN is a network that only covers a
small area, such as cafe, office, or school. Generally wide area LAN network not far from 1 sq. Km. Usually LAN networks use IEEE 802.3 Ethernet technology that has
data transfer rates of about 10, 100, even 1000 MB / s. In addition to using Ethernet technology, not a few also use
wireless technology such as Wi-fi for LAN networks.
2. MAN
Metropolitan
Area Network or MAN is a network that includes a city with high data transfer
rates. In a way, the MAN network is a combination of
several LAN networks. Jangakauan of MAN network
ranges from 10 to 50 km. MAN only has one or two cables
and is not equipped with a switching element that works to make the design more
simple.
3. WAN
Wide
Area Network or WAN is a network that covers a wide geographical area, such as
a country and even a continent. WANs are generally used to
connect two or more local networks so users can communicate with other users
even if they are in different locations.
B. Based on Information / Data
Source Distribution
1. Centralized Network
The
definition of a centralized network is a network consisting of client computers
and server computers where the client computer served as an intermediary in
accessing the source information / data coming from the server computer.
In
a centralized network, there is the term dumb terminal, which does not have a
data processing device.
2. Distributed Networks
This
network is the result of a combination of several centralized networks that
allow multiple computer servers and clients that are connected to form a
particular network system.
C. Based on Data Transmission
Media Used
1. Wired Network (Wired Network)
The
data transmission medium used in this network is a cable.
The
cable is used to connect one computer to another computer to be able to
exchange information / data or connected to the internet.
One
of the transmission medium used in wired
network is UTP cable.
2. Wireless Network (Wireless Network)
In
this network required electromagnetic waves as data transmission medium.
Unlike
wired networks, these networks do not use cables to exchange information / data
with other computers but use electromagnetic waves to transmit information /
data signals between computers to one another.
Wireless
adapter, one of the transmission medium used in wireless
network .
D.
Based on Roles and Relationships of Each Computer in Processing Data
1. Client-Server Network
This
network consists of one or more server computers and client computers. It usually consists of one server computer and several client
computers.
The
server computer is in charge of providing data resources, while the client
computer can only use the data resources.
2. Peer to Peer Network
In
this network, each computer, be it server computer or client computer has the
same position.
Thus,
the server computer can be a client computer, and otherwise the client computer
can also be a server computer.
E. Based on Used Network
Topology
Computer network topology is a form / network
structure that connects one computer to another. For more detailed discussion of network
topology, please read the article on various topology of computer network I
have ever written before. So much for articles on understanding, benefits and various computer
networks. Hopefully my short article is useful and easy to understand