WHAT IS A COMPUTER NETWORK?

Computer Network - is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes to share resources. In computer networks, computing devices exchange data with each other using connections (data links) between nodes. These data links are established over cable media such as wires or optic cables, or wireless media such as Wi-Fi.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Networking

Advantages

Reduced Costs - Everyone in your home or office can share as single printer and a single high- speed Internet connection at the same time.

Increased Efficiency - You can access data, pictures, and many other files on any connected computer

Economical - Purchasing software network licenses is relatively cheaper than purchasing individual licenses

More Productivity - Shared internet access means no one needs to wait to use the Internet or email.

Everyone can work simultaneously.

Increased Access To Communication Channels - You can communicate with others in the network using the email or an Instant Messaging (IM) software.

More Efficient Patching of Software - Software updates need only be installed once. A patch is a piece of software designed to fix or update the data of a computer program.

    Disadvantages:

Network Failure - Some of the organization’s activities depend on the network to be up and running. If the network fails, the users lose access to information and the ability to communicate electronically.

Server Error - In a server/client relationship network, server faults may prevent you from using some application, or even from accessing your computer.

 Open to Hackers -Your system is open to hackers, especially if it is connected to internet at all times.

Open to Viruses - Networks are vulnerable to virus attacks. A virus introduced in a one workstation can be spread quickly to other workstations.

Location - Resources, such as printers, might be located to far from your table.


Network Media Types

Wireless Network - This is quickly becoming the connection option of choice as it does not require any cables to be set in your home or office.

Wired Network - Are typically used at the network core to interconnect servers and network equipment.

Types of Network

PAN: Personal Area Network - Is a computer network used to interconnect devices centered on an individual workplace.

LAN: Local Area Network - Is a type of network where two to as much as hundreds of computers are connected with each other using a network sharing device known as hub or switch.

MAN: Metropolitan Area Network - Is a larger network than LAN. It involves connecting several networks together that reside within a city, town or metropolis.

WAN: Wide Area Network - Is simply a network consisting of interconnected LANs. It is usually dispersed over a very wide area.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network