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Computer networks: what are they, what are they for and what types are there?

Computer networks: what are they

It is important to take into account each of the concepts in order to understand more easily what are computer networks, which today have become a fundamental part of the operation of them and for their users.

A network is considered a structure that has a specific pattern for its operation. While a computer is a electronic machine whose mission is to process a large amount of data and that allows the execution of different sequences indicated by its users.

Due to the importance they have taken at present, a host of advanced activities can be carried out, here we will explain a little more about what they are and what their operations are.

What is a computer network and what is it used for?

¿Qué es una red de computadoras y para qué se utiliza?

Also known as computer network or computer network, is defined as a set of computers that can be computers or devices that are connected through a series of cables, waves, signals or any other method that allows interaction between two or more devices.

Typically, these types of connections are used to share any information and data such as files, disks, printers, programs, services such as databases, chat. , games, emails among many others.

Each of the computers connected through this system is called nodes. In addition, like all communication process , it is necessary to have a sender, a message and the receiver so that all this can be done.

The main purpose of creating this is to allow computers or devices to share resources and information remotely in a secure way and with a great data transmission speed with the aim of reducing costs.

Computer networks offer different utilities to their users, among which we can mention the following:

Communication

They allow easy communication through different tools such as email, instant messaging, chat applications , among others.

Sharing of hardware components

It offers the possibility of sharing the same hardware component using computers such as printers, scanners, consoles , among others.

Access to information

It allows its users to have access to more information in an easy and fast way through Internet services.

Data exchange

It gives you the possibility to perform a exchange of data and information in a safe and fast way. Also, to offer you excellent speed when sharing information of any kind.

Program availability

Offers program availability for any type of network user regardless of the physical location of the network.

History of computer networks: When were they created and how have they evolved?

Historia de las redes de computadoras ¿Cuándo se crearon y cómo han evolucionado?

Before the 60s there was only one way to communicate and it was remote access through the local telephone line . While at the beginning of the 60s some isolated computers began to appear, which were for exclusive use and which could be accessed via a cable.

Two years later in 1962, the first working group “Intergalactic Computer Network” in Spanish “The intergalactic computer network” is created. All this began to represent a forerunner of the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) what was a computer network that was conceived by the U.S. Government Department of Defense in order to increase technological advances.

In 1969, the first connection of ARPANET took place where 4 university institutions in the United States managed to connect at a speed of kbits per second . And four years later ARPANET it was possible to establish as the first connection outside the United States ., Specifically in Norway.

By the years 1974, the term “Internet” was created, which was created by Vinton Cerf, Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine of Stanford University. Two years later John Murphy , belonging to the Datapoint Corporation , conceived ARCNET as the first system to share storage devices.

By 1983, Jon Postel and Paul Mockapetris conceived what is known as the domain name system (DNS), as well as extensions. org, .gov and .com. While for the year 1991 Internet opens to the public through the creation of the World Wide Web , which It was a very simple graphical user interface.

Types of computer networks in computer science: How many are there and in What are they used for?

Tipos de redes de ordenadores en informática ¿Cuántas hay y en qué se utilizan?

On many occasions when we want to install a computer network on our computer we find different types of existing networks , that’s where we ask ourselves: which Should I install and what is each one used for?

According to this, we are going to show you each of the types of existing networks and what each one means:

  • Personal area network (PAN): It is mainly used for small spaces where few devices are handled and the distance between them is not greater than 10 meters . Allowing a simple, practical and fast communication.
  • WAN Network: When we refer to a WAN connection we refer to different LAN connections that are interconnected with each other. By doing this, we are simply getting a WAN connection . It is mainly used by private use organizations and allows to provide network connections in very wide areas.
  • Local area network ( LAN): Its main function is to connect a group of equipment to each other within a small geographical area , where it allows a exchange of data and resources between them to high speed and is normally used by companies.
  • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) : In cities there are usually different LAN and WAN networks that interconnect with each other, but there is a single network that allows the integration of different services through data transmission and which is called as MAN . This function is to connect the different LAN networks within a 50 kilometer parameter.
  • Campus area network (CAN) : This network has been implemented to work in geographic spaces as in industrial, university, parks, large spaces belonging to the same place.

What are the basic components for creating a PC network?

Computer networks are a set of computers that interconnect with each other either to share some information or data transmission at high speed with the objective to reduce costs.

However, all this is made up of a series of components such as the following:

  • The server : It is the part that is responsible for controlling all network operation, as well as running the operating system of the same. It also allows users to access resources.
  • Network cards: Also known as network adapters , which have the function of connecting the different devices to each other for that they can carry out the transfer of data and information from one device to another.
  • Workstation : In this case This is each of the computers that allows users to access the network servers . Any computer can become a workstation as long as it is connected and has communication with the network.
  • Network node: Refers to any element that is connected and communicating to a network.