Computer Networking

Introduction To Computer Networking

Earlier, when there was no computer technology in the world, the Computer Networking was unknown by the humans. If a human wanted to communicate with another human who was far away fr

om him, he had to either come to him physically or send the message through birds like Pigeon. The consequence was that communication was not efficient. So that the reply to the message was very late and sometimes the communication was not established.

The computer network technology was introduced by keeping these problems in mind. It facilitates communication between two or more people very quickly, even if they are far away from each other. The main purpose of a computer network is to share data like voice over, audio, video, streaming data, documents, etc. among various receivers like printers, desktops, mobile phones, servers, etc.

History Of Computer Networking

In year of 1961, Leonard Kleinrock proposed the earliest computer networks, that was the idea of ARPANET. Donald Davies coined the term “packet” to describe how to send data between computers on a network in the year of 1965. The development of ARPANET started, officially it started ARPANET in 1969. It was considered as one of the first computer networks in which first two nodes, UCLA and SRI were connected, and to use packet switching.

The first RFC surfaced as a document in April 1969 to define information about network protocols, procedures, and computer communications. On 29th August 1969, the first IMP and network switch were sent to UCLA. In the year 1970, NetWare Core Protocol released by Steve Crocker and a team at UCLA for the use with NetWare. The first E-mail was sent to across the network to different users by Ray Tomlinson in the year of 1971.The use of first router was started, but they were not considered true IP routers in 1974.

Description Of Computer Networking

The networking is a concept that is being used in many fields. So before going deep, let us understand the basic mwaning of networking.

What Is A Network?

Anything together connecting with each other using any method for a goal or purpose to work together. Here anything means you can take the example of human/man or computer/machine. Whenever, more than one human talking with each other by using the sound medium is also called a human network. Here the sound medium is nothing but a protocol for human communication. The method of human connection is called human networking.

What Is A Computer Network?

A Computer Network is a group of computers or electronic devices interconnected to each other to share data like text, audio, video, etc. for communication among the connected devices. In information technology, devices can be connected to each other either by wired/cables or wireless connection. In this definition, a device can be a host or an end system, such as large computers, desktops, laptops, or workstations.

A device can also be a connecting device, such as a router, which connects the network to other networks, whether it is a LAN or WAN network. A switch is the device that is responsible for connecting other devices together. These devices in the network are connected using wired or wireless communication such as cable or air.

Advantages Of Computer Networking

As we just got some idea about network, It is mechanisim for connecting two or more devices to make communication among them. Below are the some basic advantages of networking:

1. Ease Of Accessibility: The current computer networks are very easy to explore. So, even if you are a person with no idea what is network and new to technology, you’ll find it easy to connect.
2. Flexibility: Different people can access different data resources as per their requirement at the same time. For this purpose computer netwoks give us a wide range of options to share the resources with other devices.
3. Convenient Resource Sharing: The primary aim of the computer network is to enable the sharing of resources among the users. The sender and receiver are both connected to the network so that they can share resources like audio, video, images, etc. with each other.
4. Connectivity: Network connectivity describes the process of connecting various parts of a network to another network. It enables users to access, collect, share, and utilise data across a network. It means connecting two or more networks.
5. Security: Computer networks provide security through authorization. Authorization is completed via user ID and password. So, it makes sure that when we log in, we are only able to connect to the network. When there is a perfect match between our credentials and the credentials stored in the database, we can only connect to the network to share the resources.
6. Storage Capacity: Every organisation has data that needs to be stored in someplace. For that purpose, they need to be stored on a central server. A central server is a remote server that is accessible to each and every employee of that organization. The server is connected to different networks, so that if any network fails, the other network is used alternatively.

Disadvantages Of Computer Networking

1. Lack Of Robustness: the central server does not function correctly , then the entire network will stop functioning.
2. Spread Of Computer Virus: Computers in a network are interconnected to each other via connecting devices like switches, hubs, and routers. There is a high chance that, if one of the computers is affected by a virus, others too can get affected by that virus. This virus’ spread can actually damage the entire network system. Also, there is a high probability that the main server connected to the same network as the computers connected will be affected by that virus and gets corrupted.
3. Issues Of  Independence: As we know, the entire networking system is based on a centralised server. So all the devices connected to the network depend on other networks or devices on the same network. There is no independence from the devices.
4. Maintenance: For the smooth functioning of a computer network, it seeks regular maintenance.This cannot be done with basic skills. It involves advanced configurations and installations. Therefore, a skilled network manager with experience is assigned the task of maintenance.

Applications Of Computer Networking

In our day-to-day lives, we use the network directly and indirectly everywhere. We use networks in multiplatforms like education, e-commerce, and the manufacturing industry. We use the network when we talk over the phone with a friend. With the help of a computer network, we are able to watch a live cricket match. If we talk as a whole, no work can be done without a computer network. Some of the major applications of computer networks are

Marketing And Sales In Use Of Computer Networking

Computer networks are widely used in both marketing and sales organizations. Marketing exportees use them to exchange and analyse data relating to customer needs and product development cycles. Applications include online businesses and e-commerce like Flipkart and Amazon. E-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart majorly depend upon computer networks to run their businesses.

Financial Services Using Computer Networking

Today’s financial sectors, like insurance and banking companies, are totally dependent on computer networks. Applications include credit history searches, foreign exchange and investment services, and electronic funds transfer (EFT), which allows a user to transfer money without going into a bank and standing in a queue.Moreover, In today’s market, online banking payments like paytm,phonepe and googlepay have taken a major role.

Education Using Computer Networking

Computer networks are a major part of education. Everything related to education is available on the internet. To access the data from the server, we need a network to communicate. By using a computer network, students are able to attend the lecture class of their favourite mentor and instantly discuss doubts with others collectively.

Teleconferencing Using Computer Networking

Using a computer network, teleconferencing is possible even though the participants are not in the same place. This application includes video conferencing, audio, and text messaging. TThrough teleconferencing, people are able to present and share their innovative ideas with other participants.

Automotive Industry Using Computer Networking

Big Automotive companies like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and many more implement computer networks in their products so as to make the cars automatic. For that to happen, these companies use servers and computer networks to update the information regarding the car to the car owner. So, everything is done automatically with the help of networks.