What exactly is a computer network? According to Wikipedia: “A computer network is two or more computers connected together using a telecommunication system for the purpose of communicating and sharing resources.” Arguably, network experts debate about this—they feel a computer network should be defined as a minimum of three or more computers connected together, not two.
Whether it’s a minimum of two or three computers to constitute a computer network, clearly the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. What are some of the advantages?
Let’s briefly cover the five advantages of computer networking. As Hutchinson & Sawyer brought out in Computers, Communications, & Information, the advantages of computer networks are: “sharing peripheral devices, sharing of programs and data, better communications, security of information, and access to databases.”
Sharing Peripheral Devices- Print sharing (where multiple users share the same printer) can cut operational costs. For example, large and expensive laser printers are used by multiple users within company networks. Providing a business has a network, large in-house printers can affordably be leased or purchased.
Sharing of Programs and Data- File sharing in the business environment is important, because it saves space, time, and paper. Digital files on a share drive are not only cost effective and convenient, but a company’s database is accessible to only authorized personnel and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Network-linked employees can share groupware and work together on shared projects. Purchasing network versions of software is yet another advantage of having a company network.
Better Communications- Schedules and task assignments can be easily shared and organized in a network. When emailing within a network, group settings and contact lists are easily kept up-to-date. Attaching scanned documents and emailing business communication is cheaper and easier than faxing information to another department at a different location.
Security of Information- When information is shared on a network and accidental data loss occurs, data recovery is much more likely to occur when working on a network. When shared information is stored on multiple computers and databases, it stands to reason that if a hard drive fails, others will have the shared information residing in another repository. Firewall appliances that are built for networks go far beyond what a consumer grade firewall can do.
Access to Databases- Typically, extensive databases (whether public or private) are shared on a network. Sophisticated databases have built-in parameters to protect the data from accidental overwrites or misuse by disgruntled employees.
As you can see, computer networks have many advantages and are understandably gaining popularity for small-medium sized businesses. It is no wonder why computer networks are notable for their cost-saving features and ease-of use for end-users worldwide. If you are concerned about your budget and need to set-up or improve your home or business computer network, call us at Genesis Global, Inc.: 1-800-908-9665. We can help you meet your networking equipment needs, as well as work with your financial budget in conjunction with getting you improved network communication devices.
Resource: Computers, Communications, & Information, 2000. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
By: Deb Jensen
Posts Tagged ‘Multiple Users’
Computer Network – Comprehensive View – Part 2
November 13th, 2009
Wireless networks located in multiple categories, depending on the size of the physical area that can be covered by network.
The following types of wireless network meet the needs of multiple users:
* Wireless personal – Area network (PAN).
* Wireless Local Area network (LAN).
* Wireless Metropolitan-Area network (MAN).
* Wireless Wide – Area network (MAN).
This is using the expansion all major cables for wired networks (such as LAN or WAN) used for years before it enters the wireless network.
Each type of wireless network has the advantages of complementary meet multiple requirements. The following paragraphs explore each type of wireless networks in a concise manner.
Wireless networks (PANS):
The area of wireless networks is a relatively short (up to 50 feet) and most of their effectiveness to meet the needs of a small room or in the cargo area. PANS networks is the performance of the average of data rate of up to (2MBPS). Imperatives followed these advantages for the replacement of cables in many cases.
PAN wireless network includes a person synchronize personal PDA with his laptop computer or personal computer. In a similar, PAN wireless network can provide radio communication to the printer. The advantage of the abolition of knots in the wire when using this type of computer is very useful, where the initial installation of the equipment is easy.
Wireless networks (LANS):
Networks wireless LANs provide high performance within and around office buildings and labs, and homes often have the users in these areas laptop computers, personal computers, PDA screens and processors to support large applications. LANS meet the requirements of communication for these types of computers effectively.
For example, in the work it can be installed the wireless LAN network to provide mobile access to the common applications of laptops. This type of system, the user can, while far from his office, take advantage of network services from the conference rooms and other rooms. That allows staff to be more effective while working away from their offices and more cooperative with each other.
Wireless networks LANS provide the performance levels enable applications to operate smoothly. For example, the wireless network LAN users can easily see e-mail attachments or a large scale video server of the invisible with data rate up to (54 MBPS). Wireless LAN network can meet only networks with the limits of web applications a house or office.
Wireless networks (MAN’S):
MAN’S wireless network includes areas with the size of cities.
Wireless Service Providers (WISPs) Provide wireless networks in cities and remote areas in order to provide homes and firms for wireless communications. Wireless networkings MAN provides the positive benefits and are appropriate when it is impractical to install a traditional wired communications such as (DSL and cable modem). Wireless networks WANS are effective when the right path for the cable systems have made it not possible or too expensive.
Wireless networks (WAN’S):
MAN networks known as mobile wireless applications cover a large area, such as state or continent. Because of the economic side, the operator is able to do remote deployment of the operational infrastructure of the wireless network MAN in order to provide relatively inexpensive long-distance communication for a lot of consumers. It is possible to distribute the costs of such a deployment across multiple users. It provides low fees -subscription.
By: Shrif S Kassem
