Computer network is a system consisting of two or more computer devices connected to each other by using transmission media and communication media so that computers can communicate with each other and share data such as files, hardware as well as on the application.
The term computer network itself can basically be interpreted as a collection of several communication terminals consisting of two or more computers that are interconnected.
The initial purpose of building a computer network is that users can share a file, document, and hardware in a network by using a transmission medium where the information is brought by the transmitter so that it can be delivered to the receiver by exactly and in accordance with what was delivered
COMPUTER NETWORK BENEFITS
Facilitate us to be able to access the files we have at our disposal, as well as we can also access files from other people who have done penyetelah happy files or have been disseminated through a network, just as on the Internet
With the computer network, we can also make the process of sending data quickly, precisely and efficiently. Computer networks help people connect with people from different countries easily.
In addition, users can also send text, images, audio, and video in real time with the help of computer network. We can access news or information very easily through the internet because the Internet is one example of computer networks.
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.
TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK
Generally, computer networks are grouped into 5 categories, based on geographic reach, information / data source distribution, 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:
By Geographic Reach
1. LAN
Local Area Network or often abbreviated with the LAN is a network that covers only a small area, such as cafe, office, or school. Generally wide area LAN network not far from 1 sq. Km.
Usually LAN networks using 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 network MAN is a combination of several LAN network.Jangakauan of MAN network ranges from 10-50 km. MAN only has one or two wires and is not equipped with switching elements that function to make the design more simple.
3. WAN
Wide Area Network or WAN is a network that reaches 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.
Based on Information / Data Source Distribution
1. Centralized Network
The meaning of 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.
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 instead use electromagnetic waves to transmit information / data signals between computers to one another.
Wireless adapter, one of the transmission medium used in wireless network.
Based on the Role 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 responsible for 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 the server computer or client computer has the same position. So, the server computer can be a client computer, and otherwise the client computer can also be a server computer.
Based on Used Network Topology
Computer network topology is a form / network structure that connects one computer to another. Also read article about Network Topology.