Functions and components used in Computer Network
Functions and components used in Computer Network
FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER NETWORK
A networked computer can do many things which a standalone computer cannot do:
1. Share a single copy of a file among all the users, even simultaneously.
2. Transfer files from computer to computer or from one computer to the shared Hard disk on the server.
3. Share computer resources like printer, all types of disks and drives, modems, fax machines, scanners etc.
4. Share applications even the entire networks, thus reducing the cost of purchasing the multiple costs. A multi-user license costs much less than buying a standalone license for each other.
5. Use e-mail for internal communications, inter –office notes etc. creating an almost paperless office.
COMPONENTS USED IN A COMPUTER NETWORK
A network is a combination of different components. The most essential components of a single network are:
Servers
Servers are the faster computers to run different softwares/programs, store and process information and to provide a human interface of the users to be able to use the networked computers. They are of two types:
Dedicated Server
Only make the information available for other computers of the network.
Non-Dedicated Server
It works as both service provider as well as client.
Nodes
Nodes are the computers on the network, which are provided to the users to carry out their tasks using the network. A node, which is more powerful and can handle local information processing or graphics processing is called a workstation.
Lan Cable
This is the medium over which the information travels from computer to computer. From the computer onto the medium (cable) and to take up the information from the medium and make it available to the computer in the form it can read.
LAN cable can be categorized in three groups:
- Twisted Pair
- Coaxial Cable
- Fibre Optics
Network Operating System (NOS)
It is used to control the movement of information on the network.
Networks, which are more complex, require components like HUBs, Switches and Routers to carry out different network functions.
Network Interface Card
This is used to connect the cables to the computers. These cards help the computer to transfer the data at a faster rate and in the form of packets. These cards are plugged into the computer motherboard. These cards are generally called as Ethernet cards.
Modem
Modem is an electronic device which converts digital signals into audible form that can be transmitted over ordinary analog lines. This process is called modulation. On the receiving end a modem demodulates the signals into electrical signals that are then fed to the computer.
MODEM is an abbreviation for MODULATION and DEMODULATION .
There are two kinds of modems:
Internal and External Modem, available on the basis of their speed with which the data or information is transmitted.
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