Running head: COMPUTER NETWORKS 1

A Report on Computer Networks

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Definition of computer networks

A computer network is a collection of computers that use standard communication

approaches using digital interconnections to share the resources located on or offered by the

network nodes. The connections between nodes are derived from a broad spectrum of

telecommunication network technologies based on wired, optical, and wireless radio-frequencies

techniques grouped in various network topologies (Jenkins, 2019). The computer network nodes

may be grouped in multiple ways, such as personal computers, computer servers, network

hardware, and general-purpose hosts. Their hostnames and network address can distinguish

them. Hostnames act as the memorable identities for the nodes. They are not easily changed after

the last assignment. Network addresses may serve to locate and identify the nodes through

communication avenues such as internet protocol.

Examples of computer networks in your daily life (home, school, shopping mall, mosque…)

The use of computer networks has become a common phenomenon in our daily lives.

Technically, the everyday life of a computer is to convert raw facts into information. Computer

networks' importance can be assessed by observing the revolution changes and achievements it

has made in business, communication, banking, and many other fields. In education, computer

networks have been used to facilitate teaching and enhance research (Jenkins, 2019). Computer

networks in classrooms revolutionized how creativity and efficiency enable students to develop

innovative ideas. In business, computer networks are essential in establishing businesses,

running, and managing businesses. It is almost unimaginable how difficult things would be in

place without computer networks. Companies such as Amazon and Alibaba have capitalized on

computer networks to advance business. In hospitals, computer networks have provided many

benefits. Hospitals have managed to come up with a database for the patient with their treatment
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records. Today, doctors are using computers to conduct medical diagnoses on their patients

(Shifrin & Keslassy, 2019).In the banking sector, banks are using the computer more efficiently

to serve customer demands. The process of using computers to make customer deposits and run

transactions has made service delivery to be accurate and faster.

Computer networks criteria

Computer networks may be grouped through many criteria—transmission medium,

Bandwidth and communication protocols. A transmission medium is an element that can mediate

the propagation of signals for the role of telecommunication. Signs are located on a wave that s

more suitable for the selected medium of choice. For instance, data can modulate the sound, and

a transmission medium for sound will include air and solids and liquids (Touch, 2017). Both air

and vacuum give a suitable medium for transmitting electromagnetic waves, for instance, light

and radio waves. Even though the material substance is not needed for electromagnetic waves to

move, such waves are majorly affected by the transmission media they may pass through, such

as absorption of or reflection.

In computing, bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data is transferred for signal

processing, wireless communication, data transmission, and digital communication. The

bandwidth is measured using hertz. This means the range between the highest as well as the

lowest frequency. A communication protocol refers to a regulation system that allows two or

more communication systems to relay information through any physical quantity variation. The

communication protocol explains the rules, syntax, semantics, synchronization of

communication, and likely error assessment methods.

Computer networks physical structures

There are two possible types of connections when talking about computer networks.

Point-to-point connections offer linkage between various components. Full capacity of the

association is kept for transmission of the two primary components. A good number of the point-

point relationships utilize a total length of wire or medium to link several areas. However,

microwave and satellite connections may as well be used. Alternating the T.V stations using a

remote is an example point-to-point linkage of both remote control and the T.V. Multipoint

connectivity is used when more than two devices share a common link (Touch, 2017). The full

ability of the link can be either spatial or temporary. This simply means that each computer can

share a particular element of the link or every computer shares the connection at a specific time

that is being utilized. All networks have physical typologies. Physical topology refers to how a

computer network has been physically laid down. More than one of the devices may form a

shared link, while two or more devices may comprise a topology. The tool that links various

components in a network is called a node.

Computer networks categories

A computer network describes a collection of computers inked using a power transfer

network such as cable and wire. There are various varieties of computer networks; Local Area

Network(LAN, Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network(WAN). Local Area

Network describes a collection of computers linked in small instances, for instance, institutions,

medical centers, and many others. This type of network is entirely secure as there is no external

link to the local area network. Therefore, that information distributed may be safe with the local

area network and cannot be reached from outside (Shifrin & Keslassy, 2019). LANs may not be

limited to wire connections. A new form of LAN permits the local area network to operate

efficiently just on a wireless connection. Metropolitan Area Network is a connection that links a
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bigger system through a relationship of LANs to a much more extensive network of computers.

In the Metropolitan Area Network, various LANs may be connected through telephone lines.

Wide Area Network offers wide data distribution of data. The size of this network is that it is

larger far much than LAN and MAN. Wide Area Network is much more significant as compared

to LAN and MAN. A Wide Area Network can connect a state, continent, and even the entire

universe. Internet reach is an excellent type of a Wide Area Network.

Computer networks protocols and layers

The network may be categorized into various topologies. In networking, layering means

dividing the sending of messages into multiple components and activities. Every detail is

responsible for handling different parts of the communication. This may be termed as the

transmission protocol. Four-layer types must be observed critically; Application layers,

Transport layers, Network layers, and Datalink layers (Logrippo & Visser, 2016). Application

layers refer to networks that encode or decode a message so that the sender or the recipient can

easily understand it. The networking layer determines the destination and origin of a message.

The transport layer helps in determining how a particular directive is transported. The data link

layer refers to a layer that helps facilitate the transmission of a message over a specific network.

Layering helps as t allows for standards to be well developed and adapted to the new hardware

and the software over a certain period. For instance, different software packages and applications

use similar transport, network, and link buyers but have their application layer. How the program

encodes this message, the other method of communication remains unchanged. A protocol is a

system containing rule which explains how data may be transferred from one source to its

destination.

The Internet
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The internet is a global system made of connected computers that use the standard

internet protocol to connect many devices across the World. The internet bears a wide variety of

data and content, for instance, the interlinked documents and applications of the World Wide

Web. The internet can be accessed through various means. The internet is the backbone of the

World Wide Web. It is the technical infrastructure that makes the web possible (Logrippo &

Visser, 2016). The internet is an extensive network of computers that communicate with each

other. When two computers want to connect, they must be linked. This can be done physically

using the cable and wirelessly using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Such a kind of network is not

constrained to computers. One can connect to as many computers as possible. However, things

get complicated as much as possible. Relating to many computers requires many cables with

various plugs.

Computer networks and smart devices

Computer devices are daily objects that are intelligently empowered and connected with

computer power and the internet for things. Smart devices such as phones and smartwatches

gather data from the computer network and relay it for the user to read. While they are as small

as they are, they are mighty. Smart devices may range from tracking devices to wearables, which

monitor people's health to cookers and other smart home components. Smart devices use sensors

to collect information and data such as light, temperature, and send information(Shifrin &

Keslassy, 2019). Smart devices connect a house to the internet of things, making the space

intelligent by automating the controls, increasing energy efficiency, and enhancing security.

Smart devices are simply electronic devices connected to other devices and networks through

wireless protocols, for instance, Bluetooth or even Wi-Fi. These connections may connect and

operate extensively. There are several types of smart devices in existence. These include
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smartphones, smart cars, doorbells, smart fridges, phablets, smart key chains, smart speakers,

among many others. Smart devices may also refer to devices that show computing features and

properties.
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References

Jenkins, S. (2019). Computer Networks: Publisher's Note. Computer Networks, 160, iii. doi:

10.1016/s1389-1286(19)30902-8

Logrippo, L., & Visser, J. (2016). Future wireless networks. Computer Networks, 34(5), 701-

703. doi: 10.1016/s1389-1286(00)00123-7

Shifrin, M., & Keslassy, I. (2019). Small-buffer networks. Computer Networks, 53(14), 2552-

2565. doi: 10.1016/j.comnet.2009.05.005

Touch, J. (2017). Overlay networks. Computer Networks, 36(2-3), 115-116. doi: 10.1016/s1389-

1286(01)00171-2