What are computer networks and types of devices

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Currently the use of the internet has covered almost all corners of the world. In fact, in Indonesia itself, active internet users have also experienced a significant increase. One of the functions of the internet itself is to connect one computer network to another.

In this article, we will discuss what a computer network is, its types, and the benefits it has. In fact, you have heard this term very often and of course it is widely used in everyday life.

Definition of computer network

Before entering into a discussion of what the types and kinds of computer network devices are, we must first know what they mean. A computer network is two or more computer devices that are interconnected or connected to one another and are used for various data sources.

Each endpoint in a network has an identifier, which is commonly referred to as an IP address or media access control address. Endpoints can include servers, computers, telephones, and other network hardware. Computer networks (Jarkom) can be created using a combination of wired and wireless technologies.

Networks can be private or public. In the use of a private network, usually requires user access to enter credentials in the form of a password that is entered manually by the administrator or obtained directly by the user. For the use of public networks such as the internet, do not limit access.

History of computer networks

History first started with the emergence of the idea or idea to use a computer together. The project is run by a group of Harvard University researchers at Bell Laboratories led by Howard Aiken.

In 1950, when the supercomputer was successfully created, that's when the TSS system (Time Sharing System) was also invented. This moment is an important historical one where, computer networks were first applied.

Over time, in 1982 the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) was discovered. Then, in 1984 the Domain Name System (DNS) was also invented. And the most historic moment was born in 1990, where Tim Berners Lee initiated the World Wide Web (WWW) program. And for the following years, computer networks have developed very rapidly.

Types of computer networks

After reading some brief reviews about the understanding and history of computer networks, then we will discuss some things related to the types of computer networks themselves.

1. PAN (Personal Area Network)

This type of network covers a smaller area, for example at the office and home. Usually, it is widely used only for internet purposes, as well as printers. And it does not require large resources to use a PAN network.

2. LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN network serves to connect network devices in relatively small coverage conditions. Examples of the application of a LAN network are network systems at schools, offices, and homes.

Many people tend to use certain connectivity, especially on token ring and ethernet. In addition, LAN also provides wireless network technology using WiFi and is better known as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

3. CAN (Campus Area Network)

The CAN network can be said to have similarities with MAN, but is more limited in the scope of campus or academics. For this network, it is mostly used for lab practice, email, class updates, and so on.

4. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

MAN is a network that connects one computer device with other devices within the scope of the city on the same network. This type of network is larger than a LAN network.

5. WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN is a collection of geographically dispersed LANs. WAN networks tend to use technologies such as ATM, X.25, and Frame Relay for longer distance connectivity.

6. Internet

The Internet is the largest computer network ever created by humans. The scope of the internet covers almost all corners of the world. Anyone can access various sources of information on various computer devices, such as PCs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, and so on.

7. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

VPN is one solution to provide a more secure internet connection. VPN can create a secure path for data transmission needs. Today, there are many platforms that sell VPNs for free, as well as provide premium access.

Computer Networks Based on Transmission Type

Based on its fundamental form, computer networks are divided into two types, namely distance and transmission. The following are two types of classification of computer network types based on their transmission.

1. Broadcast

A broadcast network is a single communication channel that is used jointly by several devices (devices) that are connected to the same network. Packets are small messages sent by one machine to another.

The address field contains information about to whom the package will be sent. If the packet is addressed to him, it will be processed immediately. If the packet is sent to another machine, the machine will automatically ignore it.

2. Point-to-Point

The second type is a point-to-point network composed of several individual paired connections, from one device to another. To be able to send a packet to the destination address, it is necessary to pass through several intermediary machines.

So, it will often pass through many routes that may differ in distance. Therefore, the route algorithm plays an important role in this network.

Computer network topology

In this discussion, we will inform you about several computer network topologies that are available and used in various human activities.

1. Bus

Bus topology is a topology that has a single cable that each workstation and server are connected to each other. The advantage of the bus topology itself is that when developing new networks and workstations, it does not interfere with other workstations. The drawback is that when the cable is damaged or broken, it will experience disruption to the entire network.

2. Ring (ring)

Ring or ring topology is a topology that is formed when all devices are connected, so that it resembles a ring or circular pattern. So, each workstation will receive information from one device to another.

The advantage of the ring topology is that there will be no collision or collision between data. Meanwhile, the disadvantage of this topology is that if one of the nodes experiences a problem, the entire network will experience interference.

3. Star (star)

The star topology is a topology in which each workstation has a path that is connected directly through a server or hub. The advantage of this topology is that if one workstation experiences a problem, not all networks will experience the same thing.

Because, each workstation has its own line or cable. The disadvantage of the star topology is that it requires a large amount of money, because it requires a lot of cable resources.

4. Tree (tree)

Tree topology is a combination of star and bus topology. This network topology resembles the shape of a tree root, which can be said to be only a hub device that is directly connected to the tree bus. And each hub serves as the root of the tree.

The advantages and disadvantages of a tree topology are the same as bus and star topologies. However, using this tree network (hybrid), supports a better network expansion.

5. Mesh

Mesh topology is often used when there is a condition where there is no absolute disconnected communication link between nodes in a computer network. Devices will be connected directly as long as they are on the same network.

The advantages of the mesh topology are faster communication between computers, and more secure security. The disadvantage of the mesh topology is that it requires a greater cost in providing cables.

Kinds of computer network devices

Now, many kinds of computer network devices have been developed to help and optimize network system performance. The following are some types of devices that you often encounter and use.

1. Servers

The server functions as a place or media for storing information, as well as managing computer networks. The server has a higher specification than the client. Because the purpose of the server is to serve the client computer.

2. NIC (Network Interface Card)

NIC can also be called a LAN Card Expansion Board which is used so that computers can connect to the network. Ethernet is divided into four types, namely ethernet (10 Mbit/s), fast ethernet (100 Mbit/s), gigabit ethernet (1000 Mbit/s), and high (10000 Mbit/s).

3. Network cable

Cable is a medium for connecting one device to another. There are several types of cables for network conduit. Among them are coaxial cable, fiber optic, and twisted pair.

4. Hubs and Switches

Switch is a computer network device that serves to connect several computers. Physically, the shape of the switch is the same as the hub, but from a logical point of view, the switch is the same as the bridge.

Switch has two types, namely unmanaged switch which is the cheapest type. And managed switch which is the most expensive type.

5. Router

Router is a network device that serves to connect a LAN network into a WAN network, as well as manage traffic from the data in it. The router can determine the best path, because it has a routing table to record all addresses in the network.

6. Bridge

Bridge is a device used to forward traffic between network segments based on information on a data link. Bridge also has a function to divide a large network into several smaller networks.

7. Modem

Modem is a device that is used to connect computer devices with internet service providers or also known as Internet Service Providers (ISP).

8. Repeaters

Repeater is a device that serves to strengthen and regenerate the network and incoming signals. Repeaters attempt to maintain the integrity of the network signal. The disadvantage of the repeater itself is that it cannot filter traffic on the network.

9. Wireless card

The wireless card is a device that must be used if you want to connect to a wireless network. On average, the latest types of computers already use devices that support wireless cards. However, you can also add it yourself on your computer.

Benefits of computer network

The following are some of the benefits of computer networks in everyday life.

To share documents

The first benefit is used as a medium to share documents that you have with other computer devices using the internet network. You can share documents using a data cable or wirelessly.

To maintain and manage data security

Data will be better if it is stored more centrally. In addition, the network is also useful to make it easier for administrators to manage important company data. By utilizing a shared server, every employee is able to search for data quickly and efficiently.

Easy to communicate

Computer networks also make it very easy to communicate quickly and accurately between teams and with other people from different geographies. By communicating appropriately, it can help in overcoming any problems that may occur within the company.

Delivering information quickly

With the help of jarkom, the process of delivering information becomes faster without time and place restrictions. You can read any information from all over the world.

Helping human activities

And the last benefit of computer networks is to help every human activity to be more effective and efficient. With a good network, every activity both inside and outside the office can be well connected.

Negative impact

In addition to the benefits resulting from the existence of the computer network itself, there are also negative impacts from several things which we will explain below.

1. Network Fee

To be able to use the network well, then you also need to prepare for every need, starting from software, hardware, and investment in network design planning.

2. Management and Maintenance Fee

For the management of network management and maintenance, it also needs to be considered regularly by a professional IT team. Thus, reducing the possibility of unwanted things such as damage to software or hardware.

3. Unwanted Sharing Activities

The third negative impact, with network traffic that is not well controlled, increases the risk of the shared document (file) being infected with a virus or spam on the computer.

4. Network Security Threats

With the convenience of the communication process that can be done anywhere and anytime in real - time, of course it also increases the risk of other problems arising. For example, the spread of illegal content, data theft, to other information security issues.

Conclusion

A computer network is two or more computer devices connected to each other to share data and information.

Types of computer networks consist of PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, CAN, Internet and VPN. The topologies used include bus, ring, star, tree and mesh.

The main benefit is that it facilitates human work, and helps in the process of delivering information and communication smoothly and optimally.

Besides you can get great benefits from the use of computer networks, there are some negative impacts from using them. One clear example is the practice of data theft, to the cost of maintenance which is not cheap.