What is a computer network?
We can define a computer network as simply an interconnected connection of autonomous computers so that they can exchange information. The advantages of networking computers are immense. To name a few are, access to remote information, peer-to-peer communication, Interactive entertainment. Based on transmission technology there are two types of networks, broadcast networks- where the sender transmit data to all other computers and the proper recipient identifies the data and receives where as the others discard them, and point-to-point networks- where the sender sent the data directly to recipient.
Different architectures are followed for networking computers. To name a few, bus , ring, star, tree, complete and irregular.
Most modern computer networks follow the Open Systems International (OSI) Reference model. In this model the network is divided into 7 layers. Each layer performs a particular function in the network. Protocols are a set of instructions, which reside in each of these layers, and based on these protocols the layers perform discrete functions in the network.
The field of Computer Networks is so vast even a brief introduction would run to atleast 100 pages. Those who are interested in knowing more are requested to access my project report. It has been prepared to introduce a layman to the concepts of networking.
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Introduction to computer networks
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