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There are different kinds of computer networks that work in different ways. Networks
can be very small and simple or can be complex as a global network like the Internet. There
may be wired or wireless connections between computers on the network.
Need for Computer Network
Computers and other devices connected on a network help in:
Prime (Ver. 2.2)-VIII • Resource Sharing: It helps the users to share files and hardware devices such as printers,
scanners, etc.
• Communication: It helps us to communicate with others through e-mail, video conference,
instant messaging, etc.
Advantages of Computer Network
The advantages of computer network are:
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• The information can be easily shared by people.
• It reduces the cost of hardware.
• Store information in one centralised location.
• Reliability implies backing up of information. If a system crashes, then the information is
accessible on another workstation for the future use.
• Reduction in installation cost.
• User authentication process to secure the data.
• People will have access to all the information they need to get and share through e-mails
and instant messaging which saves time and money in passing information.
Components of a Data Communication System
There are mainly five components of a data communication system which are as follows:
• Sender: A sender is a device (usually a computer) that wants to send information to
other computers connected to the network.
• Receiver: A receiver is a device that is receiving data from another device on the network.
• Transmission Medium: A transmission medium is a communication channel through which
information is transferred from one computer to another on a network.
• Message: A message is the information or data that needs to be transferred from one
device to another.
• Protocol: A protocol is a set of standard rules used for communication.

