Computer - Networking

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources.

Characteristics

• Share Resources from one computer to another
• Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network
• Connect a printer , scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let other computers of the network use the machines available over network.

Following is the list of hardwares required to setup a computer network.

• Network Cables
• Distributors
• Router
• Internal Network Cards
• External Network Cards

Network Cables

• Network cable are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable are Category 5 cable RJ-45.

Distributors

• Each and every computer can be connected to another one via a serial port but if we need to connect many computers to produce a network, this serial connection will not work. The solution is to use a central body to which other computers, printers, scanners etc. can be connected and, and then this body will manage or distribute network traffic.

Router

• Arouter is a type of device which acts as the central point among computers and other devices that are part of a network.
• A router is equipped with holes called ports.
• computers and other devices are connected to a router using network cables.
• Now-a-days router comes in wireless modes using which computers can be connected without any physical cable.

Network Card

• Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer cannot be connected over a network.
• Also known as network adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC).
• Most of branded computers have network card pre-installed.
• Network cards are of two types: Internal and External Network Cards

Internal Network Cards

• Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted.
• Internal network cards are of two types.
• First type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connection.
• Second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA).
• Network cables are required to provide network access

External Network Cards

• Comes in two flavour: Wireless and USB based.
• Wireless network card need to inserted into the motherboard but no network cable is required to connect to network.

• USB card, are easy to use and connect via USB port.
• Computer automatically detects USB card and can install the drivers required to support the USB network card automatically.