Networking Basics

          Since the first network ARPANET in the 1960s, data has been transferred from one computer to another in order to share information. To many the functions of computers were magic, they wonder how data could be sent miles away with just the click of a mouse? If you are studying networking you know there is no magic involved at all, just technology that is programmed to complete tasks. For all the novice networkers and those who would like to learn, I will describe all elements that comprise a network, as well as benefits and drawbacks of networking.

          A simple network consist of a collection of computers, various media types , NICs, client software, and other specific network devices. A computer is a device capable of processing information from multiple inputs and capable of outputting in many ways. A computer in the most basic sense consist of a “brain”(cpu), storage devices, input devices and output devices. In order to send data and connect with others you must have a medium through which the computer can communicate. In the realm of networking there are many choices of wired mediums or a wireless medium being the air carrying the radio waves. Next are Network Interface Cards, the devices that connect hardware to the media wire or allow a signal to travel through air. These devices are essentially the interface to the network, as the name implies. All your computers information is sent out of a port then onto the wire to travel to a network device that will decide where this information needs to go. Much like a post office employee the network device looks at the destination address and forwards it to the right turn on the network. Last we will cover client software, the programmed instructions that the computer follows when completing basic tasks, for example transferring a file. If any of these elements are missing you will not have a network and if they are incorrectly set-up you will not have a successful network.

          The many benefits of networking include communication, data sharing, connectivity, hardware sharing, software sharing, and entertainment. Data sharing was and is one of the major benefits to the internet. A document can be created on one computer and transferred to a computer on another floor above with a few clicks of a mouse. Without a network established someone would have to print the document, travel to the destination office, and place it on the persons desk and if it were the wrong document or if it had issues or errors in it then you would have to redo the whole process. Connectivity is another great benefit, allowing people to communicate with people all over the world in a timely fashion. When you are on a network you have the ability to share hardware such as servers and printers instead of attaching a printer/server to each individual computer which saves time of the tech support as well as the time of the company.

           Although there are several benefits to networking there are drawbacks that include security of information, cost, distractions from work as well as illicit behavior. Most networks store information on servers, a storage device for network data that also has the capability to offer services. Any time you have important information there will be people that want to take it. Hackers are people who aim to penetrate secure networks and steal information. Secondly to set-up a fast, efficient and secure network you will need money. The funds will go to purchasing network devices, ISP cost, media, servers, computers and software. So when all the nodes are in their proper places you will have employees that will sit at their desk and be productive. In most cases this is how it goes, but with all the information and connectivity employees tend to spend time socializing and entertaining themselves on company time. The last drawback is illegal behavior that include stealing information as mentioned above and using the internet to view illicit materials.

            The five elements of a general network are ; computer , NICs , media , client software and network devices. The invention of the network has improved connectivity in our day to day lives, made it possible to share data quickly and efficiently, served as a medium for entertainment and saved money for companies through sharing hardware and software. I could not list the benefits of a network without covering the disadvantages such as cost, lost time due to socializing, hackers that participate in the illegal behavior of penetrating secure network to steal information, and those who use the internet to view illicit materials that break the law.