Introduction
At present, computers are among man's greatest assets on earth. With the internet revolution, they have become the primary devices of communication for humanity. All these computers, from military-grade supercomputers and average personal computers to handheld devices and IoT devices, depend on some form of network to function according to standards. This is why computer networks have become a major field in the information technology industry itself. Computer networks are a growing industry in the IT sector with a bright future and lucrative job offers in the modern corporate world. In this blog, let us explore the basics of computer networks and their significance.
Computer Networks
Computer networks have become an essential part of modern technology. Connecting computers and devices must share resources and communicate with each other. They are a group of computers that are connected to share information and resources and communicate with each other. Networks can be local, like a personal home network between your computer, laptop, mobile device, printer, and IoT devices. Or they can also be global, connecting millions of computers and other devices across the world. There are several types of computer networks, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and the most widely used, the internet (Source: Wikipedia).
The benefits of computer networks include the ability to share resources, printers, IoT devices, storage devices, and software applications. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, as users can access the same resources without having to purchase separate copies for each computer. These computer networks foster easy communication and collaboration between users, regardless of their location. This is particularly useful for remote workers or for organisations with multiple branches in different locations. Here are the main types of computer networks.
1. LAN
The Local Area Network (LAN) is a basic type of computer network designed to connect computers and other devices within a small geographic area, like homes, offices, or schools. LANs are typically made up of a few computers connected by a single router or switch. They use a variety of technologies, like Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, to transfer data and share computer resources between devices. The main benefits of LANs are their high speed, low latency, and ability to share resources and connect to printers, storage devices, and software applications.
2. WAN
A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that spans a large geographic area. It connects multiple LANs over long distances. They are used by private companies, corporate companies, government bodies, and other large organisations with multiple branches in different locations. The train is because WAN allows all of the organisation's users to access resources and communicate with each other regardless of their location. WANs can be created and implemented using a variety of transmission technologies. Chief among them are leased lines like optical fibre cables, satellite links like Star Link or other public satellites, or the internet. The main benefits of WANs are their ability to connect users over long distances, which is crucial for centralised resources and remote collaboration in the digital age.
3. MAN
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that connects devices within a metropolitan area. Typically, it covers a city or large urban area. MANs are similar to WANs but are designed for use within a metropolitan area, providing high-speed data transfer and resource sharing for users within that area. They are often used by large organisations like universities or government agencies to connect their facilities within a single city. The main benefits of MANs are their high speed, reliability, and ease of communication within a metropolitan area.
4. WLAN
Wireless local area networks (WLANs), or Wi-Fi, is an important technology that has revolutionised the way we communicate and access information. They have brought about a new era of connectivity. It allows users to connect to the internet and communicate with each other from almost anywhere. A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a computer network that uses wireless signals to connect devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices to the internet or other networks. WLANs are typically created using wireless access points, which broadcast wireless signals to devices within their range. This allows users to connect to the internet or other networks without the need for multiple physical cables or other forms of wired connectivity. The main benefits of WLANs are their convenience, flexibility, and ease of use.
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5. Mobile Networks
Mobile networks, on the other hand, are cellular, wireless networks. These allow users to connect to the internet and communicate with each other using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets through radio wave transmissions. These networks are typically provided by mobile network operators and are based on cellular technology. They use a combination of cell towers and satellite technology to provide coverage over large geographic areas. The main benefits of mobile networks are their mobility, accessibility, and convenience. Cellular networks have evolved from 2G, 3G, and 4G to the current standard 5G.
5G
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, which promises to revolutionise the way we communicate and access information. This new technology offers faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. These qualities make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from mobile devices to the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G is designed to provide faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than previous generations of mobile networks. The speeds of 5G are 20 - 100 times faster than 4G, which is the current standard in mobile networks (Source: iSelect). This increased speed will make it possible to download large files and stream high-quality video content more quickly and smoothly.
Moreover, the lower latency of 5G will make it possible to conduct real-time activities like virtual healthcare solutions, software development, virtual education, gaming, and virtual reality without lag or delay. 5G has a massive impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications, like smart homes and smart cities. The increased capacity of 5G will make it possible for more devices to connect to the internet. This, in turn, will enable the growth of new technologies and applications like smart homes and autonomous vehicles. 5G also allows for greater connection and collaboration speeds between devices. As a result, you can expect innovative IoT solutions, more internet-based businesses, and an exponential growth of e-learning, e-governance, and telemedicine.
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6. The Internet
All the above computer networks form the structure of the internet. It is a vast computer network that connects millions of devices all over the world. It is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use standard Internet protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange. The Internet has transformed the way we communicate, do business, learn, and even entertain ourselves. With just a few clicks, we can access an endless array of information and resources from anywhere in the world.
The Internet has also facilitated the growth of e-commerce, social media, and online collaboration, making it an indispensable tool for modern life. Despite its many benefits, the Internet also poses several challenges, including security threats, online privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation. Nevertheless, the Internet continues to evolve and shape our world in ways that were once unimaginable.
TCP/IP
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the foundation of the modern internet and the standard for data communication on computer networks along with a unique MAC address (Source: Geeks for Geeks). It is a suite of protocols that define internet data transmission efficiently and reliably between computers. TCP/IP consists of two main protocols: the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP). TCP is responsible for establishing and maintaining connections between computers on the network, breaking data into smaller packets, and ensuring their transmission in the correct order. IP, on the other hand, is responsible for transmitting data over the network and ensuring that each packet reaches its destination.
The significance of TCP/IP lies in its efficiency and reliability. By breaking data into smaller packets, TCP/IP allows for parallel transmission, which reduces the time required to transmit large amounts of data. Additionally, by establishing and maintaining connections between computers, TCP/IP reduces the risk of data loss or corruption. TCP/IP also provides the foundation for other critical technologies, such as email, instant messaging, and the World Wide Web (WWW). The role of TCP/IP on the Internet is crucial. Without TCP/IP, the internet would not exist as we know it today.
Internet Privacy and Computer Networks
In the era of data leakage, internet censorship, and internet scams, privacy has become one of the most important concerns for the average internet user. With the advent of large-scale internet crimes, staying secure on the internet is a necessity to avoid falling prey to dark hat hackers. Thankfully, some computer networks help organisations and individuals remain anonymous and secure on the internet. The most popular among them are VPN and Tor. While there are privacy-oriented internet browsers like DuckDuckGo and Firefox available, VPN and Tor further enhance the security and privacy of your data while browsing the internet.
1. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and the internet (Source: Kaspersky). Internet users typically use VPN to hide their IP address and encrypt the data being transmitted. This makes it more difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept the user's online activities. People who want to protect their privacy and security while using public Wi-Fi networks often resort to VPN. Even individuals who want to access geo-restricted websites or content use VPN. Using a VPN provides increased privacy and security and the ability to access restricted content.
2. The Onion Router (Tor)
This is open-source software that provides users with greater online privacy and security by routing their internet traffic through a series of encrypted nodes, making it more difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept their online activities (Source: The Tor Project). Tor was originally designed for use by military and intelligence agencies. However, it has since become popular among people who want to protect their online privacy and security. Though Tor provides increased privacy and security, which is on the brighter side, it also has a darker side just like any other invention.
This dark side of the Tor network provides a platform for unethical practices like a double-edged sword. Though the network was created to safeguard the privacy and avoid surveillance, this created a breeding ground for cybercriminals. Some social evils like hacking, data leakage, hiring mercenaries, information about weapons, the illegal sale of weapons, illegal financial transactions, drugs sale, and human trafficking are operated on the dark web through the Tor network. The nature and intention of Tor make it difficult for legal entities to prevent these illegal activities (Source: Wikipedia).
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Conclusion
All the components of a computer network and types of computer networks serve different demographics with different needs. LAN, WAN, and MAN are the three basic types of networks for computer communications. The TCP/IP protocol helps process, transmit, and retrieve data across networks and devices. Along with these protocols, there are several other data transmission protocols like FTP, HTTPS, and SSH for secure file access, remote access, and internet access. The explosion of smartphones has resulted in the massive transformation of computer networks.
Similarly, WLAN and mobile networks have transformed humanity forever. The recent addition to mobile network technology is 5G, which will take communication to the next level. Moreover, safety concerns and the need for anonymity have resulted in more secure networks like VPN and Tor. While all these networks fulfil the fundamental aspect of communicating with two computers, the complexity of the specific needs requires that these many protocols and types of networks exist.
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