One very important part of most computer systems today is the network.

Information is the building block for effective communication. Communication is the universal currency that knits us together and drives our day to day operations. Computer networking is a favorite among many businesses.

You’re probably thinking how important is networking? This mainstream technology has proven to be an effective means to enhance proficient, flexible and streamlined communication while maximizing on productivity and resources.

What is computer networking?

According to managed it services Toronto provider PCM Canada, Computer networking is a pool of integrated computers configured to one another. Computer networks or data networks are chains of nodes linked by communication channels. The nodes receive, transmit and exchange data between endpoints. The data transmitted is in the form of voice or video traffic.

How do you network two computers? Wired Ethernet cables or wireless radio waves connect the computers. This blend of technologies relies on defined algorithms to transmit data between specified endpoints. The endpoints include computer servers, mobile devices, and tablets among others.

Computer networking enhances seamless communication, cohesive functioning, and resource sharing.

Types of computer networks

There are several types of computer networks. The critical difference lies in the geographical areas they serve and their core purpose. These include:

Personal Area Networks (PAN)

Personal Area Networks are interconnected technology devices that serve a single individual within one facility. PAN is accessible within a distance of 10 meters and is a suitable option for small offices or residences. PAN-enabled devices include telephones, computers, video game consoles, and peripheral devices. PAN provides maximum flexibility. You can upload pictures or stream music and videos online to your device.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LANs are limited to a single building like an official establishment. LAN covers a defined area. LAN is essential for resource sharing including file servers, printers and data storage. LAN hardware such as ethernet cables and hubs are affordable to acquire and maintain.

Small LANs manage 2 or 3 computers while large LANs host thousands of servers. Internet connectivity can either be wired or wireless. LAN is popular with many establishments due to its high speed and low set up costs.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

MAN covers a distinctly larger are than LAN. MAN consists of configured computers covering a town, city or campus. Depending on the connection, MAN can connect a single area or traverse several miles. MAN is a series of several LANs linked to create a greater network, also known as Campus Area Network (CAN) or Campus Networks.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

WAN covers a larger geographical area than MAN. The network connects a country or even continents. And the computers are interlinked by cables, optical fibers or satellites. Most users can access the network via modems. WANs consist of smaller several networks of LANs and MANs. The internet which consists of networks and gateways is an example of a public WAN.

Home Area Network (HAN)

HAN is a computer network limited to a defined boundary like a house or home office. HAN is a type of IP based LAN which can be either wired or wireless. HAN is a broadband connection available to several users using a wired or wireless modem. It consists of shared devices like faxes, printers, scanners or data storages.

Importance of computer networking

There are several reasons why networking is essential to a business, institution or individual. These benefits include:

Cut back on costs

Why are networks important? You can cut back on costs and allow for efficient use of resources. Hardware is the priciest resource in technology. Computer networks reduce your hardware costs significantly.
Since the computers are interconnected, resource pooling is efficient. Printers, copiers and backup storages are shared among employees. This eliminates the need to buy single IT assets for each employee. Unlike traditional desktops, you don’t need frequent software installations. You only need to install updates and track performance.

Boost storage capacity and volume

Computer networks pools their entire data to a central data storage server. This data is accessible to your employees. You can use the data to gain insights on how to boost your company’s productivity. With a central server, you lower the number of storage servers needed. And you increase the efficiency of operations.

Optimize convenience and flexibility

Computer networks enable flexible operations. The data is not stored in a local server making it accessible with internet connectivity. You can access your data from any device. This enhances free movement while accessing your data wherever you may be.

Streamline communication

Computer networking is a massive boon to the communication landscape. Networking allows you to send and receive text messages and files in real time. Information is available and easy to access from any device. You only need a reliable internet connection. Even if your device shuts down, you log in from a different device and access your data.

Drawbacks of computer networking

Despite their many advantages, computer networks present a fair share of setbacks of concern to your business. These include:

Unsecured network

Data servers expose your information to man-in-the-middle attacks and viruses. Employees can download and exchange corrupt files which expose your server to viruses and malware. Shared resources open doors of opportunities for network security breaches. Hackers can easily snoop on your data.

Cost prohibitive

Installing standard networking hardware can set you back by thousands of dollars. Small equipment such as modern routers is expensive. The networks also need regular monitoring and maintenance. You will have to consult the services of a professional.

Low productivity

Computer networks are flexible, but employee productivity is a concern.  The internet presents a minefield of distractions. Employees may engage in unsolicited file sharing or instant messaging during work hours.
Even though most companies have drafted work regulations, policing employees is an uphill battle.

Bottom line

Quality technological solutions are a significant determinant of the success of any business. Computer networks are essential technology solutions for your business. Computer networking offers immense technological solutions to businesses and institutions in various formats. Networking pros include inexpensive setups and maximum utilization of available resources. You get to streamline communications within and outside your organization.

“To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace”- Doug Conant.

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In today’s world computer has become an integral part of the business sector for professional activities not only for professional activities but for personal activities also. As technologies have evolved networking came into the picture and slowly from initial wired network technology we moved to this wireless network technology. Now if we will think then we can know that networking impacts everything.

Computer Network is an interconnection between computers or we can say computer network is group of computers linked to each other which enables one computer to communicate with another computer. It acts as basis of communication in Information Technology (IT). It is system of connected computing devices and shares information and resources between them. The devices in network are connected by communication links (wired/wireless) and share data by Data Communication System.

There are several types of computer networks are there, typical differences in between different types of computer networks lies in the geographical areas they serve and their core purpose.

An example of computer network includes let us think about classroom and in class, two friends are there with their own laptops, but communication between two processes is established even if the two laptops are physically separated means they are in computer network.

Another example may be to let us think about our college office suppose there are four computers and each computer generates some print jobs daily. Without networking four computers needs four separate printers, one printer for each computer to meet print requirement. But actually it is not if we will see all four computers are connected to only one printer with the help of networking. Let us keep word computer network away for some time and think about Internet then only we can know what is the need of internet nowadays and how much important it is for our life.

Starting from day to the end of the day everyone uses Internet for their work and this internet is nothing but vast network that connects computers all over the world. So now I think we have understood importance of computer networks in our daily life. Computer networking has its various functionalities, goals, and advantages and disadvantages with it but importance of it is truly unique. Let us go into little bit detail and know about importance of computer networks to great extent.

Importance of Computer Networking :
In the world of Information Technology (IT) information is building block for effective communication. Communication is medium that helps us to drive our day to day professional and personal operations. Where computer networking acts as base of everything as the best and most important IT solutions. Below is list of points that we do with the help of computer networks, or things that we get benefited with the help of computer networks or it has become possible or effective due to computer network. Let us know all points and after that, we can understand importance of computer networking.

• Provides best way of business communication.
• Streamline communication.
• Cost-effective resource sharing.
• Improving storage efficiency and volume.
• Cut costs on software.
• Cut costs on hardware.
• Utilizes Centralized Database.
• Increase in efficiency.
• Optimize convenience and flexibility.
• Allows File sharing.
• sharing of peripherals and internet access.
• Network gaming.
• Voice over IP (VoIP).
• Media Center Server.
• Centralize network administration, meaning less IT support.
• Flexibility.
• Allowing information sharing.
• Supporting distributed processing.
• User communication.
• Overcoming geographic separation.

In general, we can see “Communication” and “Sharing”, that is all networking is about in simple terms. It enables everything that we do today. In the current scenario, the business would not work without computer networking and our personal and social life will also feel like it has been stopped.

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