Learn more about what a network is in this article.
A network is a collection of two or more devices that can communicate with each other by physical or wireless connections in order to allow data sharing. The internet itself is considered the biggest network because it contains the widest network of computers and servers that are connected together by the use of routers and network switches.
Any type of device with network capabilities can be a network device. Examples include desktop computers, laptops, web servers, routers, modems, switches, hubs, smartphones, tablets, and webcams.
Note:
If networks did not exist, then it would be impossible for any online tasks to be performed. In fact, without any type of network, the internet would not exist as the internet itself is the largest network. This would have a serious impact on companies as most companies would not exist without any type of network.
Types Of Networks
Several different types of networks exist to share data between different devices. Networks can be as small as two devices connected to each other to billions of devices.
LAN (Local Area Network) - A network that connects nearby devices within a limited area, such as in a home or a building. Examples include a home, office, laboratory, or school.
HAN (Home Area Network) - A LAN that connects devices within a home.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) - This provides a secure and private connection over a over a public, business, or home network by connecting to a server and encrypting traffic. In addition, VPNs hide people's real IP addresses in order to protect their privacy.
SAN (Storage Area Network) - A network that connects storage devices to each other. Each computer in the SAN can access hard drives and separate hard drives can be used by multiple computers.
CAN (Campus Area Network) - A network that connects devices within a limited area. It is designed to cover an educational or corporate campus. Smaller than metropolitan area networks.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - A network that connects devices within a metropolitan area, such as a city or a large campus. Larger than a CAN but smaller than a WAN.
WAN (Wide Area Network) - A network that connects devices within a large geographical area. WANs consist of a collection of LANs. The internet itself is considered the largest WAN.
Network Topologies
Network topologies are the way the nodes (connected devices) of a network are connected to each other. Several different types of network topologies exist, which include:
Bus topology - A type of network topology where connected devices of the network are directly connected to a single cable, known as a backbone.
Star topology - A type of network topology where every network device has its own cable that connects to a router or switch.
Ring topology - A type of network topology where every network device connects to exactly two other network devices. This forms a ring for the signals to travel.
Mesh topology - A type of network topology where every network device is connected to at least one other network device and normally to more than one. Mesh topologies contain no central connection point.
Tree topology - A combination of the features of star and bus topologies. Connected elements are arranged in a similar way to the branches of a tree. It is a network topology where there can only be one connection between any two connected nodes.
Private and Public Networks
Private networks refer to networks that are used by a limited number of people and are often used in homes, schools, and businesses. These networks are definitely more secure than public networks, since they are only accessible to authorised users and make use of authentication methods, such as passwords.
Public networks, also known as open networks are accessible to anyone with a compatible device. Any network that is accessible within a public area, such as an airport or a shop is a public network. Although some public networks display a padlock icon in the list of available networks, meaning that they require a password, most public networks do not require a password at all and are freely usable.
Public networks are much less secure than private networks since they are accessible to anyone and the data sent over the network could be read by someone. Never transfer sensitive information, such as bank details or passwords over public networks without using a VPN.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Network
The advantages of a network are:
Easy sharing of data - Data and other files can easily be shared between other people over networks, such as documents, images, videos, programs, and more.
Easy method of communication - People can communicate with other people over a network. Forms of electronic communication include email, VoIP, instant messaging, and chatrooms.
Easy access to services - Services, such as online shopping and banking are accessible over a network. This saves people time.
Easy sharing of hardware - Multiple devices can connect to hardware, such as printers, eliminating the need for the use of any cables.
The disadvantages of a network are:
There are security risks - Because networks allow the sharing of data between multiple users, this increases the chance of viruses and malware being spread to different computers. In fact, networks are the most common way that computer viruses are spread.
It can be complicated to manage a large network - Setting up networks is time-consuming and requires someone with a lot of knowledge and experience.
It can be hacked into - Especially with WANs, there is a risk of the network getting hacked into. Firewalls are security procedures that help prevent unauthorised activity within a network.
It can cause data breaches, especially if sensitive information is transferred to unauthorised users.
History
ARPANET was the first network that was developed by the ARPA, lead by the DOD (US Department Of Defence) in 1969. At the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Utah, it had four nodes.
