What is computer networking?

Computer networking refers to the practice of connecting computers and other digital devices
together to share resources and exchange information. It involves the use of hardware and
software technologies that enable communication between computers and other devices,
whether they are located in the same physical location or are geographically dispersed.
A computer network allows for the sharing of resources such as printers, files, and data
storage, as well as the ability to communicate with other computers and access the internet.
Networking also enables collaboration between individuals and groups and supports the
transfer of data and information across a variety of platforms and devices.
There are several types of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide
area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wireless networks. Each
type of network has its own characteristics and benefits and can be used in different settings
depending on the needs of the users.
Computer networking has become an essential component of modern society and plays a
critical role in the functioning of businesses, governments, and individuals alike. As
technology continues to advance, computer networking will continue to evolve and play an
increasingly important role in our daily lives.
Importance of Computer Networking:

In the world of Information Technology (IT), information is building block for effective
communication. Communication is a medium that helps us to drive our day to day
professional and personal operations. Computer networking acts as the base of everything as
the best and most important IT solutions. Below is the list of points that we make 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 the 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 Centre Server.
• Centralize network administration, meaning less IT support.
• Flexibility.
• Allowing information sharing.
• Supporting distributed processing.
• User communication.
• Overcoming geographic separation.
Computer networking has also played a crucial role in the development of new technologies
like cloud computing, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things have all benefited greatly
from computer networking (IoT).
What is a Modem?

Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The modem is defined as a networking

device that is used to connect devices connected in the network to the internet. The main
function of a modem is to convert the analogue signals that come from telephone wire into a
digital form. In digital form, these converted signals are stored in the form of 0s and 1s. The
modem can perform both the task of modulation and demodulation simultaneously. Modems
are majorly used to transfer digital data in personal systems. The modem is also known as a
signal translator as it translates one signal into another signal by modulating the digital
signal into an analogue signal for transmission and then demodulates receiving analogue
signals into digital signals.

Features of Modem
• Modems can modulate as well as demodulate the signals simultaneously.
• Modem allows to connect only a specific number of devices to the internet.
• According to the features of the modem, it’s price ranges.
• Modems can be upgraded with the help of a specific software patch.
• To use the devices over the internet with a modem device needs to be configured
with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• When the modem is connected to Hub it slows down its process.

Types of Modems

There are different types of modems available. Each modem has different features and
provides different benefits. Below are the different types of modems:

1. Optical Modem
In modem, different type of media is used to transfer the signals. Optical Modem is the type
of modem that makes use of optical cables instead of using another metallic type of media.
The digital data is converted into the pulse of light that is transmitted on the optical fibre used
in the optical Modem.

2. Digital Modem
A Digital Modem is defined as a type of modem that is used to convert digital data into digital
signals. Digital data is in the form of 0s and 1s. For this, it performs the process of
modulation. Digital Modem modulates the digital data on digital carrier signals for
transmission.

3. Cable Modem
Cable modems are defined as a type of modem used to establish communication between
computer systems and Internet Service Providers. A cable modem helps to access high-speed
data through cable TV networks. Such modems are usually connected to desktops or systems
and work like external devices.

4. Satellite Modem
Satellite Modems are defined as a type of modem that provides an internet connection
through satellite dishes. This type of modem works by sending the input bits into output radio
signals and vice versa. The internet network that is provided by such types of modems is
more reliable and efficient as compared to other types of modems.

5. Dial Modem
A Dial Modem is a type of modem that converts data used in telephone and data used on
computers. In short dial modem converts between analogue form and digital form. The
networking devices connected to the computer are all at one end and the telephone line is at
another end. This type of modem transmits the data at a speed of 56000 per/sec.

Advantages of Modem
• A modem converts digital signals into an analogue signal.
• The cost of a modem increases according to the features it has.
• The modem helps to connect the LAN to the internet.
• Modem performs both modulation and demodulation processes simultaneously

Disadvantages of Modem
• The working of the modem slows down when connected to the hub.
• The modem cannot track the traffic between the LAN and the internet.
• When using a modem, a limited number of network devices can be connected to
the internet.
• Modems have a high rock of security-related attacks.
• The modem does not provide maintenance of traffic.

What is Internet?
The Internet is a group of computer systems connected from all around the world. The
Internet protocol suite is a framework defined through the Internet standards. Methods are
divided right into a layered set of protocols on this architecture. The Internet gives a huge
variety of statistics and communique offerings, which include forums, databases, email, and
hypertext. It is made of the neighbourhood to global personal, public networks connected
through plenty of digital, wireless, and networking technologies.
Working of the Internet
The Internet is a global computer network that connects various devices and sends a lot of
information and media. It uses an Internet Protocol (IP) and Transport Control Protocol
(TCP)-based packet routing network. TCP and IP work together to ensure that data
transmission across the internet is consistent and reliable, regardless of the device or location.
Data is delivered across the internet in the form of messages and packets. A message is a
piece of data delivered over the internet, but before it is sent, it is broken down into smaller
pieces known as packets.
IP is a set of rules that control how data is transmitted from one computer to another via the
internet. The IP system receives further instructions on how the data should be transferred
using a numerical address (IP Address). The TCP is used with IP to ensure that data is
transferred in a secure and reliable manner. This ensures that no packets are lost, that packets
are reassembled in the correct order, and that there is no delay that degrades data quality.
Uses of the Internet:
• E-mail: E-mail is an electronic message sent across a network from one
computer user to one or more recipients. It refers to the internet services in which
messages are sent from and received by servers.
 • Web Chat: Web chat is an application that allows you to send and receive
messages in real-time with others. By using Internet chat software, the user can
log on to specific websites and talk with a variety of other users online. Chat
software is interactive software that allows users to enter comments in one
window and receive responses from others who are using the same software in
another window.
• World Wide Web: The World Wide Web is the Internet’s most popular
information exchange service. It provides users with access to a large number of
documents that are linked together using hypertext or hyperlinks.
• E-commerce: E-commerce refers to electronic business transactions made over
the Internet. It encompasses a wide range of product and service-related online
business activities.
• Internet telephony: The technique that converts analogue speech impulses into
digital signals and routes them through packet-switched networks of the Internet
is known as Internet telephony.
• Video conferencing: The term “video conferencing” refers to the use of voice
and images to communicate amongst users.

Advantages of the Internet:

• It is the best source of a wide range of information. There is no better place to
conduct research than the Internet.
• Online gaming, talking, browsing, music, movies, dramas, and TV series are
quickly becoming the most popular ways to pass the time.
• Because there are hundreds of thousands of newsgroups and services that keep
you updated with every tick of the clock, the Internet is a source of the most recent
news.
• Because of virtual shops where you can buy anything you want and need without
leaving your house, internet shopping is becoming increasingly popular. Recently,
virtual shops have been making a lot of money.
• With the emergence of online businesses, virtual stores, and credit card usage,
purchasing goods without going to the store has never been easier.

Disadvantages of the Internet:

• Spending too much time on the internet is hazardous for the young generation’s
physical and mental health.
• Children who use the internet develop an addiction, which is quite dangerous.
• It is now quite easy to decipher someone’s chat or email messages thanks to the
hacking community.
• With the emergence of online stores, people prefer to order online rather than
going to local stores which results in less social interactions among people.