Unit 1
Uses of computer networks and its application
• Computer networks are essential for resource
sharing, communication, and data sharing across
various devices and locations.
• They enable businesses to operate more
efficiently, facilitate remote access and
collaboration, and provide access to a vast array
of online services and applications.
• Key applications include resource sharing,
communication, data sharing, e-commerce, cloud
computing, and remote access
Business Applications :
• to distribute information throughout the company (resource sharing). sharing
physical resources such as printers, and tape backup systems, is sharing
information
• client-server model:It is widely used and forms the basis of much network
usage.
• communication medium among employees.:email (electronic mail), which
employees generally use for a great deal of daily communication.
• Telephone calls between employees may be carried by the computer network
instead of by the phone company. This technology is called IP telephony or
Voice over IP (VoIP) when Internet technology is used.
• Desktop sharing lets remote workers see and interact with a graphical
computer screen doing business electronically, especially with customers and
suppliers. This new model is called e-commerce (electronic commerce) and it
has grown rapidly in recent years.
2. Home Applications :
• peer-to-peer communication
• person-to-person communication
• electronic commerce
• entertainment.(game playing,)
3. Mobile Users :
• Text messaging or texting
• Smart phones
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• m-commerce
• NFC (Near Field Communication)
Social Issues :
• With the good comes the bad, as this new-found freedom brings
with it many unsolved social, political, and ethical issues.
• Social networks, message boards, content sharing sites, and a
host of other applications allow people to share their views with
like-minded individuals.
• As long as the subjects are restricted to technical topics or
hobbies like gardening, not too many problems will arise.
• The trouble comes with topics that people actually care about,
like politics, religion, or sex.
• Views that are publicly posted may be deeply offensive to some
people.
• opinions need not be limited to text; high-resolution color
photographs and video clips are easily shared over computer
networks. Some people take a live-and-let-live view, but others
feel that posting certain material
Network hardware
1. Local area networks:
• Group of interconnected computers within a small area. (room,
building, campus)
• Two or more pc's can from a LAN to share files, folders, printers,
applications and other devices.
• Coaxial or CAT 5 cables are normally used for connections.
• Due to short distances, errors and noise are minimum.
• Data transfer rate is 10 to 100 mbps.
• Example: A computer lab in a school.
• The most common type of LAN is Ethernet. LANs are typically used to
• connect computers and other devices that are near each other.
2.MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) :
• Design to extend over a large area.
• Connecting number of LAN's to form larger network, so that
resources can be shared.
• Networks can be up to 5 to 50 km.
• Owned by organization or individual.
• Data transfer rate is low compare to LAN
• Example: Organization with different branches located in the
city
• MANs are typically used to connect LANs and WANs
together, creating an even larger network.
3.WAN (Wide Area Network)
• Are country and worldwide network.
• Contains multiple LAN's and MAN's.
• Distinguished in terms of geographical range.
• Uses satellites and microwave relays.
• Data transfer rate depends upon the ISP provider
and varies over the location.
• Best example is the internet.
