• What is a computer network?
• Types of computer networks
• Basic elements of a computer network
• Advantages of a computer network
• Disadvantages of a computer network
• Examples of computer networks

We explain what a computer network is, the elements that compose it and how it is classified. Also, advantages and disadvantages.

A computer network allows information to be shared over small or large distances.

What is a computer network?

A network computing, a net communications of data or a network of computers It is the interconnection of different number of computer systems through a series of telecommunications devices and a physical medium (wired or wireless).

Its function is to share information in data packets. They are transmitted by electrical impulses, waves electromagnetic or other means, using a special coding. For this, the system translates the processes of the different computers into the same language, through a series of communication.

Computer networks are not different, in their exchange logic, from other communication processes: they have a sender, a receiver and a message, a medium through which to transmit the message and a series of codes or protocols to ensure its correct understanding. Only, in this case, those who send and receive messages are computers.

By having a number of computers on the network, we can create internal communication between them, which also serves to share access points to Internet or the administration of peripherals (like a printer). In addition, it allows the fast sending of data and files without the need to use secondary storage devices (such as disks or pen-drives).

Networks are present today in almost all daily areas, especially those linked to the bureaucracy or the management of resources. In fact, the Internet connection that we access from our computer, cell phone or other devices is nothing more than an immense network of computers.

Types of computer networks

Commonly, computer networks are classified, first, according to their geographic scope and size:

• LAN networks. Its name comes from Local Area Network (in English: "Local Area Network"), since they are the smallest and most extensive networks, such as those that may exist between computers in the same phone booth or cyber café.
• MAN networks. Its name comes from Metropolitan Area Network (in English: “Metropolitan Area Network”) and designates medium-sized networks, such as those used in large libraries or big Business, connecting different and geographically distant areas to each other.
• WAN networks. Named for the acronym of Wide Area Network (in English: "Wide Area Network"), these are large-scale networks and extensive reach, such as the global network of networks, the Internet.

There are other possible classifications of computer networks, according to their specific topology, their functional relationship or data directionality.

Basic elements of a computer network

Commonly a computer network contains the following elements:

• Server. Computers on a network do not have the same hierarchy, nor do they perform the same functions. For example, servers are responsible for processing the flow of network data, serving all other connected computers (that is, "serving" them) and centralizing control of the network itself.
• Customers or workstations. These are the computers that do not serve the others, but are part of the network and provide access to it, requesting the resources managed by the server.
• Transmission media. It refers to wiring, electromagnetic waves, or the physical medium that allows the transmission of information on the network, whatever it may be.
• Hardware elements. All the technological pieces that enable the physical establishment of a network, that is, that allow it. We are talking about network cards, modems and routers, or repeater antennas that extend the connection wirelessly.
• Software elements. Similarly, it requires programs to manage and operate the hardware communications of each workstation, including the Operating system Network (NOS) Network Operating System), which in addition to supporting the operation of the network, provides antivirus Y firewall; as well as the protocols communicative (TCP / IP) that allow the machines to share the language.

Advantages of a computer network

We use computer networks for social interactions, shopping, and much more.

A computer network is a very useful and valuable tool, to centralize and disperse the stored information of a type of organization (companies, institutions, etc.). It is so important in the contemporary world that we constantly use them without even realizing it.

Thanks to computer networks, we can carry out all kinds of operations quickly and over enormous distances. Some of them are:

• Social interactions, teleconferences, video calls.
• Electronic purchase operations and capital movements.
• Data transmission, email and share resources in real time.
• Transmission stream of stored audiovisual content.
• Exploration satellite and others technologies surveillance and military reconnaissance.

Disadvantages of a computer network

The weak side of a computer network has to do with cyber attacks, which violate the confidentiality of information and can lead to dangerous activities.

We talk so much about malicious software (virus, adware, etc.) or cyber terrorists (hackers), whose attacks can cause loss of information (and therefore capital), privacy violations or damage to equipment and software. The world of networks is diverse and complex.

Examples of computer networks

Here are some specific examples of computer networks:

• A home network. Like the WiFi networks that anyone can install in their own home, in order to attend to a couple of computers and / or cell phones. Its scope will barely exceed the margins of the department.
• The serial network of a call center. The so-called cybercafés or phone booths became very popular with the penetration of the Internet, before the arrival of the Smartphones. They contain a series of computers that share their Internet connection, and that are available for the use of the public, framed in an internal network, at whose head was the computer of the manager of the premises.
• A network of university campuses. Called CAN (Campus Area Network), they are actually MAN networks adapted to the various buildings and interests of the university community.
• Internet. The biggest WAN available today: communicating various technological devices over enormous distances, from one side of the world to the other. This gigantic network involves computers everywhere, operating from servers and workstations by the millions.