Network
A Network refers to a collection of interconnected nodes or devices that can communicate and share resources. Here's an in-depth look into networks:
Types of Networks
- LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices within a small geographic area, like an office or a campus.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Spans a large geographical area, often connecting multiple LANs across cities or countries.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically covering a city or large campus.
- PAN (Personal Area Network): Connects devices within an individual's workspace, like connecting a smartphone to a computer.
History of Networks
The concept of networking began in the early 1960s with the development of packet switching by Paul Baran at the RAND Corporation. This led to:
- The creation of ARPANET in 1969, which was the precursor to the Internet, developed by the United States Department of Defense.
- The first Ethernet standard in 1973 by Robert Metcalfe, which became the standard for local networking.
- In 1983, the transition of ARPANET to the TCP/IP protocol suite, which is still the foundation of the Internet today.
Components of a Network
- Router: Directs data traffic between different networks.
- Switch: Connects devices within a network, facilitating communication between them.
- Hub: A simpler device than a switch, which broadcasts data to all connected devices.
- Modem: Converts digital signals from devices into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines or cable.
Network Topologies
Network topology refers to the arrangement or the layout of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network. Common topologies include:
- Bus Topology: All devices are connected to a single cable, forming a line.
- Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub or switch.
- Ring Topology: Each node is connected to two other nodes, forming a circular loop.
- Mesh Topology: Each node is connected to several other nodes, providing multiple paths for data transmission.
Network Protocols
Protocols are sets of rules defining how data is transmitted over networks:
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): Fundamental for the Internet.
- HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring web pages and web-based content.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files over the Internet.
Sources:
Related Topics: