Network
A network is an infrastructural system. It enables various independent devices to be connected to each other and thus to communicate with each other via data exchange. Such devices are primarily computers that can access the same resources via the network. These resources are primarily data and databases. However, they also include devices such as a network printer.
Setting up a network using topologies
In order to connect computers to each other via a network, so-called topologies are necessary. The smallest form of these topologies is the star topology, which is particularly suitable for private use or small companies. In the star topology, the devices are connected to each other via a router or a computer. All devices connected in the network have access to this one device through which they are connected. The disadvantage of this type of connection is that if the device in the middle of the network fails, all other devices will not be able to connect. Therefore, connections as a bus or ring are suitable for larger companies. In these topologies, the interconnected devices can continue to work even if one device fails.
The advantages of networks
A network offers various advantages, especially for companies. On the one hand, a large number of devices can be saved: Instead of having to provide each employee with a printer, a single network printer can be set up that all employees can access. Data dissemination is also greatly simplified by creating a database on the network. In addition, all shared data and devices can be managed centrally.
The best known network – the Internet
The Internet is also a network of gigantic proportions. It works with the protocols TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) as well as IP (Internet Protocol). The Internet is not a homogeneous network, but a union of different subnetworks, whose common feature is only the top protocol layer.
Network communicates via protocols
Networks communicate via different protocol layers, to which data can be transmitted for further transport. For transmission, the protocol layer adds further data to the data. Networking is made possible by hardware. Often a hub is used for this, which is located in the middle of the network and couples the computers together. The hub is usually a distribution socket for networks. So-called gateways, routers or access points are also conceivable.
Different networks
If the computers in the network are connected to each other in such a way that they are completely equal, this is known as the peer method. Peer comes from the English language and means “like-minded”. In this case, a drive is set up in the network that the computers can access and on which the data is stored. The infrastructure network differs fundamentally from the peer-to-peer method because here a computer takes over the control function. From this computer, it can be controlled which subordinate computers in the network are to access which data packets.
