What is information network/ computer network? Explain its uses
An information network is a set of two or more computers connected together to share information and resources like printer and hard disk etc. it is also called computer network.
The information network uses two important technologies. These are computing and telecommunications. Telecommunication is a process of transferring information over a distance through radio waves and optical signals etc. the computers in a network are connected with one another through cables, satellite or phone lines.
Uses/ benefits of computer networks
Following are some important uses of computer networks:
- Networks are used to access shared data.
- Networks are used to share different devices such as printers and hard disks etc.
- Networks are used to send email with attachments of files etc.
- Networks are used to communicate with different people all over the world easily.
- One copy of software can be shared over a network by multiple users.
Write a short note on work-group computing and group ware work-group computing
Work-group is a group of persons working together on a particular task by sharing information through a computer network. The process of sharing information by using a computer network is called work-group computing. It is also called collaborative computing.
The work group members may be at different places in the world. They can share their ideas and experiences using computer network. Different types of files, pictures, sounds, videos and graphics can be exchanged among the member of work-group.
The transfer of data and information using a computer network is very fast and deficient. Work group computing has played an important role in research and development.
Groupware
Groupware is software used for work-group computing. It is used on a computer network. The researchers can use it to share information about different projects online. The individuals can use it to collaborate with their colleagues etc.
Information networks, or computer networks, are at the convergence of two important technologies: computing and telecommunications. This convergence has resulted in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan networks (MANs), wide-area networks (WANs), and the internet.
Computer networks were originally research experiments between the computer scientists, telecommunication engineers, and other researchers. These scientific and engineering experiments, however, have since become immense social experiments as well. Information networks have brought many useful benefits. At the same time, however, they have given rise to some problems as well.
Information Networks or Computer Networks
Information networks such as the world wide web are characterized by the interplay between heterogeneous content and a complex link structure involved. Link structure can be a powerful source of information about the underlying content in the network. We can think of a network as a large circulatory system, through which information continuously flows.
This diffusion of information can happen rapidly or slowly: it can be disastrous – in a panic or failure – or beneficial – as in the spread of innovations. So, in the context of the web, we can try to identify high-quality information resources it contains.
The information networks can be examined from many points of view, partly because of the cultural meaning we ascribe to computing and telecommunications and the central role that they play in politics, social interactions, and commerce etc. as international business information is fast becoming a prime commodity. So information based networks are being frequently developed to help small and mediu enterprises communicate about business needs, expand their markets, share their resources, knowledge and experience.
Workgroup Computing
Workgroup computing is highly important aspect of modern world computing in today’s business, academic, technological and research oriented atmosphere. It is also known as collaborative computing and it enables the individuals and teams of certain projects to use computer networks for the purpose of cooperation, consultation, and information sharing. With the help of groupware, many users or researchers can work on their projects by sharing the same domain of information online.
It also permits the individuals to collaborate with their colleagues to work on company information over the network. At the same time, they can also link to other important contacts outside their organization.
The information may reside on heterogeneous type of databases. It may be made available using altogether different operating systems, and it may be using different platforms. But as long as the users are communicating with each other through a common shareware and they belong to same group. They will keep on working without any hassles and problems. In fact, it is the smart service of communication technology that has brought about a revolution in this type of computing.
The concept of “global village” has become a reality now and the computer community is “chatting” with each other as if they are sitting face to face.
Define computer networks. A computer network is a set of two or more computers connected together in order to share information and other resources. The computer in a network is connected with one anther through cables, satellite or telephone lines. It is also called information network.
Write three essential computer of every networks system. Three essential computer of every network system include hardware, software and people.
Give three general reasons for the importance of computer networks. Networks are used to share computer hardware. It reduces costs and makes it possible to take advantage of expensive computer equipment. Networks are also used to share data and programs that increase productivity. Networks are used to communicate with share data and people all over the world easily.
Define telecommunication. Telecommunication is process of transferring information over a distance via radio waves, optical signals or transmission line
List some benefits of computer networks.s Some important benefits of computer networks are information & resource sharing money saving and easy communication.
What is workgroup computing? Workgroup is group of persons working together or a particular task by sharing information through a computer network is called workgroup computing or collaborative computing.
Name different types of network models. There are two models of computer networks. These are client server model and peer-to-peer model.
Define the term client. Server is a special type of computer. It is used to control the whole network. The server performs most of the processing in client/server network model.
Define the term server. In client/server model, a computer connected in the network is called client. The client computer sends requests to the server computers.
Describe client/server model. Client-server model is a network in which one or more computers work as serves and other computers work as clients. The client computer requests a service from the server computer. The server computer provides the requested service to the client computer.
Define dedicated server. A dedicated server is used to perform a specific task. For example, print server computer is used to manage printers and print jobs. Database server is used to manage network traffic. File server is used to store and mange files.
What do you about peer-to-peer model? All computers in peer-to-peer model have same status. There is no server computer to control other computers. The files and peripheral devices are distributed across several computers on the other computer that have access to it over the network.
How is peer-to-peer network different from client/server? In a peer-to-peer network, each computer can communicate directly with other computers on the network. Therefore, each computer plays the role of a server computer with respect to the other computer that has access to it over the network.
what do you know about hybrid model? Hybrid model is a combination of client/server model and peer-to-peer model. Many networks use a mixture of both network models. It can provide advantages of both models.
Define standard. The standards are the documents that contain technical and physical specifications about the network being designed. The networks can be reliable and efficient by following certain standards
Describe De Facto standard.
De facto means by tradition or by facts. These standards are developed without any formal planning. These standards come into existence due to historical developments. These standards are still being used by the organizations all over the world.
Describe De Jure standard.
De jure according to law or regulation. These are the standards which have been properly approved by networks governing body. These are developed with proper research and design to fulfill the requirement of data communication.
Distinguish between de facto and de jure standards.
De facto standards are developed without any formal planning. De jure standards are properly approved by networks governing body. These are developed with research and design to fulfill the requirement of data communication. Many de facto standards become de jure. Standards when analyzed and improved by industry standards associations.
Name different types of LAN topologies.
Three types of LAN topologies are topology, ring topology, tree topology and mesh topology.
Define the term network topology.
The physical layout or the way in which network connections are made is called a topology. It refers especially to locations of computers and how the cable refers especially to locations of computers and how the cable runs between them. Bus, Ring and star are examples of network topologies.
What is Bus topology?
Bus topology is the simplest type of network. It supports a small number of computers. In the topology, all computers connected to a common communication medium. This medium is often a central wire called bus. It is mostly used in peer-to-peer networks.
How does star topology work?
All computers in the star topology are connected with central device called hub. The sending computer sends the data to hub. The hub sends data to the receiving computer. Each computer in star network communicates with a central hub. If hub fails, the whole network becomes useless.
23. why star topology is the best topology?
Star topology is the best LAN topology. Scalability and reliability of star topology makes it the best topology than others. It is easier to troubleshoot than other topologies.
Distinguish among star, ring and bus topologies.
In the star network topology, each computer is directly connected to every other computer on the network. In a ring network topology, all computer from a ring. In the bus network topology, all computers connected to a common communication medium called bus. A star topology includes a central device or hub to connect all computers together. Ring topology uses token passing and bus topology uses Ethernet.
Differentiate between a bus topology and a star topology.
A bus topology usually uses one or more pieces of cable to from a signal line or bus. A star topology includes a central device or hub to connect all computers together. Star topology is more expensive to implement than bus topology.
What is Ring topology?
In this topology, each computer is connected to the next computers with the last one connected to the first. This topology forms a circle. All computers in the ring. In this network topology, all computers are connected to a common communication medium called bus. Ring topology is difficult to troubleshoot. The speed of ring topology is higher than bus topology.
Differentiate between bus and ring topology.
In a ring network topology, all computer from a ring. In a bus network topology, all computers are connected to a common communication medium called bus. Ring topology is difficult to troubleshoot but bus topology is easy to troubleshoot. The speed of ring topology is higher than bus topology.
Define the term token.
A short message that travels around the communication medium is called token. Token is used to send and receive data over a network.
Identify three devises that pass message between networks.
Three devices that pass message between networks include bridges, gateway and routers.
State the purpose of repeater.
Repeater is a device that is used to boost the signal. A Every communication media can transmit signal to a limited distance. Signals have been amplified in order to be transmitted further. Repeaters are used to transmit signal beyond the limit of communication media.
State the purpose of bridges.
Bridge is a device that connects two network segments. It is used to connect similar type of networks. A bridge reduces network traffic and increases network performance.
state the purpose of router.
Router is a device that connects two network using similar or different protocols. It manages the best route between any two-communications network. Router is used when several networks are connected together.
what are gateways?
Gateway is a device that connects two or more networks with different types of protocols. Two different types of networks require a gateway to communicate with each other. For example, the computer on a LAN require gateway to access the internet.
what is local area network (LAN)?
LAN is the most common type of network. LAN stands for local Area Network. It covers a small area. Most LANs are used to connect computer in a signal building or group of buildings. Hundreds thousands of computer may be connected through LAN.
write some common uses of LANs.
LAN or local Area Network is commonly used to interconnect computer and other peripheral device in an office, a building or student laboratory.
list different computer of LAN.
Different computers of LAN are communication media, network. Interface card, bridge, router and gateway.
what is the use of network interface card?
It is abbreviated as NIC. It connects each computer to the wiring in the network. It is a circuit board that fits expansion slot. It handles sending, receiving and error checking of data transmission.
Define TCP/IP. :
TCP/IP stands for transmission control protocol/internet protocol. This protocol is used to share and transfer data among different networks. This is the most commonly used protocol over the internet.
Describe communications software.
Communication software consists of programs used to establish connection to anther computer or network and manage the transmission of data, instructions and information.
Define www.
Www stands for World Wide Web. It is also called web. It provides the facility to publish information on internet. It is a collection of documents stored on computers permanently connected with internet around the world.
state the purpose of FTP.
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is used on internet to send files from one place to another place. Video, audio, graphics and data files can be uploaded or downloaded using FTP.
what is Gopher?
Gopher is an access and retrieval system. It covers wide range of information. It consists of reference material, magazine articles, government documents and speeches etc.
Which software application is used to navigate World Wide Web?
There software applications used to navigate World Wide Web is called web browser.
What do you know about OSI model?
OSI stands for Open System Interconnection. An Open System is a model that allows any tow systems to communicate even if their architectures are different. It covers all aspects of network communications. OSI model consists of seven layers. Each layer performs a specific function network communication.
List the seven layers of the OSI reference model.
The OSI reference model divides all communication functions into seven standardized layers. From highest to lowest these are: application, presentation, session, transport, network, data, link and physical.
Write the functions of physical layer of OSI model.
Physical layer is the bottom layer of OSI model. It transmits stream of bits and defines how the data is transmitted over the network and what control signal are used. Its main function is to control how a stream of bits is sent and received over the physical medium.
What is data link layer of OSI model?
Data Link Layer is responsible for reliability of the physical link established at layer 1. Framing, flow control, error control and access control are the functions of data link layer.
Write the functions of network layer.
The network layer is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating network connections. It manages delivery of data from source to destination. It determines logical path between sender and receiver.
State the purpose of transport layer.
The transport layer controls the flow of data. It ensures that messages are delivered error free. It divides large message into small packets for efficient transmission. These errors in transmission, the data are retransmitted.
What errors does the transport layer usually fix?
The transport layer usually fixes all errors created at the transport layer or lower layers.
Distinguish between frames and packets.
Frames are messages in single network. Packets are messages that are sent through the internet. In each network, the packet is carried in a frame limited to the network.
Name and describe the functions of OSI layer 5.
OSI Layer 5 is the OSI presentation layer. The session layer establishes, manages, and terminates user connections. A session is an exchange of message between computers. It synchronizes user tasks.
Name and describe the functions of OSI layer 6.
OSI Layer 6 is the OSI presentation layer. The presentation layer performs data reformation, data compression and encryption. It is concerned with how data is converted and formatted for data transfer. Examples of format conversions include ASCII text for documents and .gif and .jpg for images.
What is the purpose of application layer?
The application layer is the top-most layer of OSI model. It provides services directly to user applications. It enables the user to access the network. It provides user interfaces and support for services such as email, remote file access and transfer, shares database management, and other types of distributes information services.
What do application layer standards govern?
Application layer standards govern how tow application work with each other if they are from different vendors.
Is the internet a signal network?
The internet is not a signal network. Rather, it consists of tens of thousands of network around the world.
What is hosts on the internet?
The computers connected to the to internet are called hosts.
Differentiate between the internet and web?
The internet is the physical connection of millions of networks. The Web uses the internet for its existence. The Web consists of hypertext embedded on Web pages that are hosted on Web sites.
Define internet.
Internet is a private and secure business network. It uses internet technology to provide provide information to the employees of the organization. The information can be protected from unauthorized users.
Define Extranet
Extranet is a collection of two or more intranets. Different organizations can use extranet to share the information of their intranets. An organization can apply security measures to provide limited access to the employees of other organization using the extranet.
Can intranets and extranets use the internet for transmission?
Yes, both intranets and extranets may use internet for transmission needs
Explain the difference between intranet and extranet.
Internet contains the information of one organization internet is used to provide information to the employees. Extranet may have the information of two or more organizations. Extranet is used to share information with other organizations
State the purpose of terminal emulation software.
Terminal emulation software is used to allow a personal computer to appear as a terminal in WAN. In this way, the personal computer can connect to a large computer.
Define host computer.
A large computer used to store web pages on the internet is known as host computer.