NETWORKING

Before going to networking types and it’s components, let’s go to the meaning of networking. Networking or computer networking, is the practice of transporting and exchanging data between nodes over a shared medium in an information system. It comprises not only the design, construction and use of a network. It also comprises the management, maintenance and operation of the network infrastructure, software and policies.

Computer networking enables devices and endpoints to be connected to each other on a local area network (LAN) or to a larger network, such as the internet or a private wide area network (WAN). This is an essential function for service providers, businesses and consumers worldwide to share resources, use or offer services, and communicate. Networking facilitates everything from telephone calls to text messaging to streaming video to the Internet of Things (IoT).

The level of skill required to operate a network directly correlates to the complexity of a given network. For example, a large enterprise may have thousands of nodes and rigorous security requirements, such as end-to-end encryption, requiring specialized network administrators to oversee the network.
At the other end of the spectrum, a layperson may set up and perform basic troubleshooting for a home Wi-Fi network with a short instruction manual. Both examples constitute computer networking.

TYPES OF NETWORKING

There are two primary types of computer networking, which is wired networking and wireless networking.

⦁ Wired networking requires the use of a physical medium for transport between nodes. Copper-based Ethernet cabling is very popular due to its low cost and durability. Usually, businesses and homes use this for digital communications. Alternatively, to transport data over greater distances and at faster speeds, it use optical fiber, but it has several tradeoffs, including higher costs and more fragile components.

⦁ Wireless networking uses radio waves to transport data over the air, enabling devices to be connected to a network without any cabling. Wireless LANs are the most well-known and widely deployed form of wireless networking. Alternatives include microwave, satellite, cellular and Bluetooth, among others.

As a general rule, wired networking offers greater speed, reliability, and security compared to wireless networks. Wireless networking tends to provide more flexibility, mobility, and scalability.

COMPONENTS OF NETWORKING

Computer networking requires the use of physical network infrastructure and the underlying firmware that operates such equipment. Other components include the software necessary to monitor, manage and secure the network. So, the major components of computer network are:

• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Hub
• Switches
• Cables and connectors
• Router
• Modem

Whether you want to install a network at your office or home, these are the required computer network components you need. Though, depends on your situation some of the devices can be disregarded. For home network using a Router is suitable since it also bundles a switch.

So, that’s all for networking types and it’s component. We hope that this entry can help you know about these things.

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