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It helps in reducing the cost of hardware.
Store information on one centralised location.
Reliability implies backing up of information. If a system crashes, then the information is
accessible on another workstation for future use.
Reduction in installation cost.
User authentication process to secure the data.
NETWORK TERMINOLOGY
Server
A server is also called as host computer. It controls the access to the hardware and software on
the network. It provides a centralised storage area for the programs, data and information.
The computer which performs a specific task is called the dedicated server.
The computer which manages the printers and documents being printed is called the print
server.
The computer which stores and provides the access to a database is called a database server.
The server which manages the network traffic is called a network server.
The computer which delivers the requested web pages to our computer is called a web
server.
Client
It is a computer which depends on the server for all the resources. For example, a server might
store a network version of Excel program. Every client on the network can access the Excel
program from the server.
COMPONENTS REQUIRED FOR A NETWORK
The components needed for a network are:
NIC Ethernet cable Hub or Switch Modem Router
Network Interface Card (NIC): It is an expansion card which provides the network access
to a computer. It allows the computer to connect to a network through a wired or wireless
medium.
Hub or Switch: It is hardware device that has various boxes to which the computers,
printers and other networking devices are connected. The main function of a hub is to direct
information around the network and facilitate communication between all the connected
devices.
Computer Networking 17

