Data Communications

           Data Communication is the process of moving information from one point to another by means of some transmission system.

Network

          A network is a collection of entities that exchange information or good. Few examples of networks are railway system, nervous system of animals, telephone system.

Communications Network

          A communications network is a system of interconnected computers, and communication devices that can communicate with one another and share resources. At the most elementary level, a computer network consists  of two computers connected with each other by a cable to allow them to share data. A device connected to a network is called a node. A node may be a device such as a computer, a printer, workstation etc.

Advantages of Networks

         Networks offer several advantages over stand along systems. Some of these advantages listed below:

• Sharing of peripheral devices: Expensive resources can be shared by connecting them to the network.

• Sharing of programs and data: Some programs may be expensive, and it may not be possible to purchase multiple copies. Such programs can be shared a network.

• Better communications: Networks can be used to establish communication such as e-mail.

• Access to databases: Users can access numerous databases by making them available on the network.

Common Network Elements

            The different types of components that you can find in a network are:

• Servers: Computers that provide shared resources to the network users.

• Clients: Computers that access shared network resources provided by the users.

• Communication Media: The media through which data is being transmitted.

• Network Operating System: Software that manages the activities of a network.

• Shared resources: Any service or resource made available for use by the members of the network.

• Modem: Used to connect a computer to another computer over phone lines.

• Hub: A hub can be thought of as a junction box, permitting new computers to be connected to a network as easily as plugging a power cord into an electrical socket. Hubs are commonly available in 4, 8, 16 port sizes, enabling anywhere from 4 to 16 network devices to be plugged into a network. There is no need to connect all the ports of a hub to network devices simultaneously. When no cables are plugged in, the signals bypass the unused ports. Some hubs have an additional interface port that connects to another hub, increasing the size of the network.

• Switch: An enhanced version of the hub. Typically a switch can distribute the communication load so all the computers connected to the switch can communicate effectively.

Posted in: Communications, Network Components