Computer Network, Advantage and Disadvantage of Computer Network

In order to share information, two or more computers must be connected through a network using a transmission medium and protocols (logical rules). A computer network can be categorized based on its service offerings and geographic reach. Computers and telecoms equipment can be arranged in a variety of ways to create an effective network for a company.

A network is a group of computers that can be linked either physically or logically using different types of software and hardware. Sharing information and resources through computer networking is incredibly convenient.

Components of networking:

The components of networking are the entities that make up a networking system. Following is a description of networking's components:

• Server: The component known as a server receives and replies to requests sent by other software or computers. Resources are made accessible to other computers by the server.
• Client: A client is a computer that uses a workstation and relies on a server to function and be controlled.
• Media: The term "media" describes the actual tools used for physical communication within a network of computers. Some examples of media include telecommunication lines, cable, radio waves, and infrared transmission.
• Resources: Computer networking resources are defined as information, application software, hardware, software, support services, documentation, and environment made available by the server to the client computers.
• Network adapter: A network adapter is a physical component within a computer that makes it easier for computers to communicate with one another via a specific network. A network adapter that is extensively used is the modem.
• Network protocol: A formal system of rules, regulations, processes, and standards that specify how information is to be conveyed from one computer to another inside a network structure is known as a network protocol.
• Network topology: The actual arrangement of the wires connecting the network's nodes is known as its topology. The most often used topologies include bus topology, star topology, tree topology, mesh topology, ring topology, and hybrid topology.

Advantages of Networking:

The following list of benefits of networking is provided:

• Resource Sharing: Resources and uses can be shared regardless of where they are physically located.
• High reliability: If one of the computers is being interfered with, the data can still be obtained from another computer or any other source.
• Simultaneous Access: Multiple users having simultaneous access to the same data files or information is referred to as simultaneous access.
• Backup and recovery: The network of computers can offer a dependable method of storing data. The data or programs on other computers in the network can be used even if one or more of the computers malfunctions if the same data is redundantly stored on many computers.
• Communication: One can instantly send and receive messages from other network users when using a computer network. Social networking, e-mail, and other technologies are only feasible due of computer networks.
• More storage space: While a solo computer may have some storage space, when several computers are connected to a network, storage space can be used as needed.
• Centralized control: Irrespective of the other computers in the network, each computer can be used to carry out the local task. A server must verify your identity before you can use the network's resources and services. Data servers, web servers, mail servers, and other types of servers exist. A network's central control authenticates these services and network access.

Disadvantages of computer networking

Computer networking has a lot of disadvantages in addition to its many benefits. Here are a few of them:

• Security: Security is one of the main issues with computer networks. Any computer connected to a network has the potential to gain unwanted access through a variety of methods. In networking, it leads to data leakage and corruption.
• Rapid spread of virus: There is a considerable risk of the virus and infections spreading to other computers that are connected if any of the machines are infected by a computer virus. A computer virus is a self-executing, tiny software that multiplies, moves between computers, interferes with standard computer operations, and does so without the user's knowledge. A virus is an unwelcome program that infects a trustworthy program.
• Costly setup: The initial cost of setting up a computer network may be expensive based on the number of computers that will be connected as well as certain supplemental equipment such NICs, hubs, cables, and modems.
• Requires technical manpower: Particularly skilled staff is required to run and maintain the network.
• Reliance on the server: A network has a variety of servers, including web servers, mail servers, and DNS servers. If one of these servers stops operating, users cannot access the network's services.

Reference

Keyes, J. Financial Services Information Systems (Best Practices), Auerbach Publications; 2 Sub edition