A computer network refers to a collection of communication devices or computers that can share information with one another. Organizations can use internal networks, but it can also connect to the rest of the world through the Internet. Network operating systems are used to organize and control the activity of every computer connected to a single network. Novell, NT and UNIX are three of the most popular network operating systems among small companies and large corporations.
Why do people resort to computer networking? How does it benefit businesses and non-profit organizations? Read on to find the answers to these interesting queries.
A computer network allows companies with thousands of companies spread across different locations to communicate more efficiently. Image courtesy of Flickr.
What is Networking?
Organizations that have thousands of offices spread across different countries need cost-effective solutions for communicating more efficiently. This gave birth to computer networking, which aims to help organizations expand by connecting their branches to a single network. Instead of using a single computer for processing all the requirements of large universities or organizations, networks are used to manage multiple computers and doing the tasks required all at once.
Computer networks have been proven effective in many ways. It has a higher rate of efficiency because it allows users to troubleshoot problems easily. With the ability to share data and resources among them, they can deliver higher returns of investment and guarantee a more dynamic workflow. Networking is also more efficient than centralized computing because if one computer in a network goes down, another computer could easily take its place.
Types of Computer Networks
What is networking? To understand the value of this computing technology, you have to be familiar with its three main types. These include:
- Local Area Networks – LAN refers to a system in which computers are connected in limited geographical areas. Interconnected computers in an office building or a school’s computer laboratory belong to this category.
- Metropolitan Area Networks – A metropolitan area network refers to a system that covers an entire city. Usually, MAN connects multiple LANs in towns or cities, but it covers smaller areas than a WAN. Telephone companies, local corporations and cable television companies use this network.
- Wide Area Networks –A WAN covers large geographical areas such as different countries, states, or multiple cities. WAN satellites, telephone lines and fiber optics are used to transmit media more efficiently.
Knowing the answer to the question “What is networking?” will help you choose which type of system is best for your company or organization. Whether you decided to work with WAN, LAN or MAN systems, you will surely enjoy the benefits of using multiple computer networks rather than a centralized computing system.