What is network computing?

August 6, 2022

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers that may interact and share resources. Using a set of principles known as communications protocols, these networked devices transmit data over wireless or physical methods.

What is a computer network’s operation?

Nodes and connections are the essential building blocks of computer networks. A network node may consist of data terminal equipment (DTE), such as multiple computers and printers, or data communication equipment (DCE), such as a modem, hub, or switch. A link refers to the transmission medium that connects two nodes. Links can be physically existent, such as cable lines or optical fibers, or they might be unused places used by wireless networks.

Nodes in a functioning computer network adhere to the rules or protocols that stipulate how to transmit and receive electronic data across the links. The design of these physical and logical components is governed by the architecture of the computer network. It provides standards for the network’s physical components, operational organization, protocols, and practices.

What do computer networks do?

In the late 1950s, the first computer networks for defense and military applications were created. Initially, they had limited commercial and scientific applications and were utilized for data transmission over telephone lines. As a result of the evolution of internet technologies, computer networks have become indispensable to enterprises.

Contemporary network systems give more than just connectivity. They are important to the success of modern businesses and the digital transformation of industries. Today’s network foundations are more programmable, automated, and secure.

Today’s computer networks can:

Perform virtually

By conceptually subdividing the underlying physical network design, it is possible to establish many “overlay” networks. The nodes in an overlay computer network are virtually linked, and data can be transmitted between them via a variety of physical means. For example, the internet is utilized to connect many business networks.

Systematically combine

Physically independent computer networks are connected by modern networking services. By automating and monitoring network operations, these services can facilitate the development of a single, vast, high-performance network. Network services may be scaled up or down based on demand.

Rapidly adjust to changing conditions

A significant number of computer networks are defined by software. A digital interface can be used to route and manage traffic centrally. These computer networks permit virtual traffic administration.

Secure data is provided

All networking technologies include access control and encryption as standard security features. Integrating third-party products such as firewalls, antimalware, and antivirus software can enhance network security.

There are two primary classifications for computer network design:

An architecture based on client and server

In this type of computer network, nodes may be clients or servers. Client nodes receive resources, such as memory, computational power, and data, from server nodes. The activities of client nodes may also be governed by server nodes. Clients can interact with one another, but they cannot trade resources. Some machines in business networks, for instance, preserve data and configuration settings. These devices are representative of the network’s servers. Clients may seek server computer access to this data.

Peer-to-peer networking

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture, all connected computers share the same rights and privileges. There is no centralized server for coordination. Each computer network device has the ability to behave as either a server or a client. A percentage of each peer’s resources, like memory and processing speed, can be shared across the entire network. Using the P2P architecture, a number of businesses host memory-intensive applications, such as 3-D visual processing, on a multitude of digital devices.

Sam Fareed

Lead Instructor qualified in CISSP, CCIE, and MCT with 25 years of training experience in Toronto.