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NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS
Network refers to the interconnected groups of people,
object, companies or computers. For example, the
inter-connected telephones create a telephone network.
A computer network is a link of two or more computers and
computing devices which are connected together to share
information and resources among each other. Networking
helps the users with an access to share several hardware
resources viz., computers, printers, servers, etc.
Client Server Architecture and Peer-To-Peer Architecture
here are different types of connecting setups that help in designing a network architecture like:
Client-Server Architecture: In many networks, data or information resources are mainly stored in a
centralised computer of higher configuration. he computers which receive and share the information as
and when required are terminals. Computers which store the data and provide resources are called servers
and the terminals that avail the centralised resources are said to be clients. Such architecture of network is
said as Client-Server.
Peer-To-Peer (P2P) Architecture: Networks, in which all the computers are connected to each other
under different topologies and where each workstation has an e ual right to access data on a network is
said to be peer-to-peer network.
enefits of et or ing
Some of the benefits of networking are as follows:
Data Sharing: One of the most important benefits of networking is that it enables to share data among
networked computers irrespective of locations.
Files Transfer: sers can send text files spreadsheets documents presentations audio files video files
etc. to other users.
Hardware Sharing: ardware components such as printers scanners etc. can also be shared. For example
instead of purchasing printers for each user, one printer can be purchased and shared among multiple
users, thus saving cost.
Internet Access Sharing: You can purchase a single Internet connection and share it among other
computers in a network instead of purchasing multiple Internet connection for each computer. This is
commonly found in Internet cafe, schools, colleges, companies, etc.
Usage of network-based applications: Usage of web browsers, email clients, chat applications, audio and
video calling features have increased due to networking.
Types of Networks
ased upon geographical area networks can be divided into three broad categories:
N MAN WAN
LAN (Local Area Network)
N is a type of network in which computers nodes are connected in a local unit or small geographical area
such as o ces departments of an organisation etc. he common connecting media used in N are cables
i-Fi etc. Ns are restricted in si e and are convenient to handle.
342 Touchpad Information Technology-X

