What is network?

A network is a group of computers that are wired together in some fashion. This wiring allows the separate

Computers to communicate one another. Share files, printers, and other resources, and

Communicate with mainframe computers and large networks.

As you might have guessed from the size of this web, a network is rarely in its simplest form. In ordered

To manage communications over a network, several things are necessary.

One or more servers - A server is a specialized machine that acts as a host for the other computers, or

Workstations.

One or more workstation - The workstations are where the work is done, at least as far as the users of

The network is concerned.

A network board for each workstation - Since a typical PC doesn’t have a network connection built in,

The network board acts as an interface between the PC and the network.

Peripherals - These are the devices other than computers that are used in a network, such as printers,

Tape Backup device and modems.

A communication medium for network signals to travel across. This is a fancy term for the actual wiring

Between the computers - the heart of the network itself.

A typical network including all of these components is shown in Figure 1.1 not all networks look like this

One, of course. Although the components are basically the same, an infinite number of combinations are

Possible.  The components used in a network depend on the needs of the users of the network and,

Frequently, the company’s budget.

What is network