Data Communication - Overview

Data Communication

• A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is called computer network. This interconnection among computers facilitates information sharing among them. Computers may connect to each other by either wired or wireless media.

Classification of Computer Networks

Computer networks are classified based on various factors.

1. Geographical span.
2. Inter-connectivity.
3. Administration.
4. Architecture.

Geographical Span

Geographically a network can be seen in one of the following categories:

1. It may be used to connect Bluetooth-enabled gadgets across your table. The distance between them is only a few meters.
2. It might be installed across a building, with intermediate devices connecting all floors.
3. It might cover the entirety of a city.
4. It could be spread out over several cities or regions.
5. It might be a single network that covers the entire globe.

Inter-Connectivity

A network's components can be connected to each other in a variety of ways.

1. We mean logically, physically, or both ways when we say connectivity.
2. Every device on the network can connect to every other device on the network, forming a network mesh.
3. All devices can be connected to a single medium, but it's a bus-like structure that's geographically separated.
4. Each gadget is exclusively connected to its peers on the left and right sides, resulting in a linear arrangement.
5. A single gadget joined all of the devices, forming a star-like structure.
6. All devices were connected haphazardly using all prior methods, resulting in a hybrid structure.

Administration

• A network can be a private network that belongs to a single autonomous system and cannot be accessed outside of its physical or logical area, according to an administrator.
• A network can be open to the public and accessible to anyone.

Network Architecture

1. Depending on the architecture of a computer network, it can be classified as Client-Server, Peer-to-Peer, or Hybrid.
2. One or more systems can serve as the server. The Client, on the other hand, requests that the Server serve requests. Clients' requests are taken and processed by the server.
3. Two systems can be linked together in a point-to-point or back-to-back configuration. They live on the same level and are referred to as peers.
4. There can be a hybrid network, which combines both types of network architecture.

Network Applications

• A network is formed by connecting computer systems and peripherals. They have a lot of advantages.

1. Resource sharing such as printers and storage devices.
2. Exchange of information by means of e-Mails and FTP.
3. Information sharing by using Web or Internet.
4. Interaction with other users using dynamic web pages.
5. IP phones.
6. Video conferences.
7. Parallel computing.
8. Instant messaging.