Computer networks: basic concepts.
Computer networks: basic concepts
The security of the user's personal data starts from the basics, so it is important to have general information about how a computer network is structured.
Computer networks. Basic concepts
First, it is necessary to define the concept of computer networks. Basic conceptswill be further connected with this definition in one way or another. So, the communication system of computers or computer equipment is a computer network. A computer network allows users to share the resources of all computers included in it. The topic «computer networks» basic concepts implies the following: a local area network is a communication system of a small number of computers connected by a shared data transmission medium, located in a certain space within one or more neighboring buildings for the purpose of sharing computer resources. Computer networks — basic conceptsinclude global computer networks — networks connecting computers that are geographically separated by large distances from each other. They differ from local networks in that they have longer communications. A global network unites local networks; it is through it that various types of malicious programs are distributed. A city network provides the opportunity to use information resources within an entire city. As part of a network, computers perform such functions as organizing access to the network, managing the distribution of information, and providing various resources to users connected to the network. The concept of remote access implies the ability of a user to interact with a remote machine and perform an interactive (i.e., real-time) work session on it. The concept of a packet, used in the computer sphere, implies that each computer connected to the network has a built-in network adapter connected to the cable system, and, before being sent over the network, all information is formed into packets. Network adapters communicate with each other, transmitting and receiving packets with information. Each packet consists of two main parts: Header and Data. The header contains the address of the sending computer and the address of the receiving computer. The data contains the information being transmitted. A packet sent to the network is sent to all computers. When they receive the packet, they read the header, and only the computer to which the packet is addressed will read the data from the packet.
Purpose and classification of computer networks
Next, let's consider what is the purpose and classification of computer networks, in particular, local ones. According to the type of organization of work of computers in the network, there are peer-to-peer networks and networks with a dedicated server. The choice of the type of local network largely depends on the requirements for the security of work with information and the level of training of the network administrator. Next, purpose and classification of computer networkswill be discussed in more detail. In a peer-to-peer network, all computers have the same priority and independent administration. Each computer has an operating system of the Microsoft Windows platform of any version or compatible with it installed. This operating system supports the operation of the Microsoft network client.
Each computer user independently decides on the issue of providing access to their resources to other network users. This is the simplest network option that does not require special professional knowledge. Installing such a network does not take much time.
To build a peer-to-peer local network, it is enough to connect computers using a network cable — mount a cable system and install, for example, Windows XP Professional OS on the computers. The network connection wizard will help you make all the necessary settings for the operating system. Typology of computer networksincludes a dedicated server view: server and workstation resource management is centralized and carried out from the server. There is no need to go around all the computers on the network and configure access to shared resources. Including new computers and users in the network is also simplified. The security of using information on the network increases, and the protection of information rights becomes more convenient. This is convenient for networks in which different categories of users work and there are many shared resources.
In small local networks, as a rule, one server is installed, combining several server functions. This is quite sufficient and economically justified. By the way, small networks can do without servers, i.e. be peer-to-peer. Typology of computer networks by their purpose implies the following positions: computing, information and mixed computer networks. Computing networks are intended mainly to solve user tasks with the exchange of data between their subscribers. Information networks are focused mainly on providing information services to users. Mixed networks combine the functions of the first two. By the quality of the information transmission medium, typology of computer networks distinguishes between wired and wireless networks. Wireless networks are characterized by the transmission of information via radio waves in a certain frequency range. By functional qualities, data storage networks, server farms, process control networks and SOHO networks & Home network are distinguished.