Computer Network Systems Essay Example

lines and its main purpose is to facilitate resource and application sharing.

Special operating system software, such as Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), should be utilized to establish a LAN and support controlled access to it (Mitchell). It is also possible to create a temporary LAN by connecting computers during events like multiplayer gaming, commonly known as a LAN party. Wired LAN is more favorable than wireless LAN due to its cost-effectiveness achieved through inexpensive hardware like network adapters, hubs, and Ethernet cables. LAN technologies such as Token Ring, ARCNET, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi are widely used. ARCNET, as one of the earliest LAN forms, has been utilized in automated industries up to the present. Token Ring utilizes ring or star network topology to connect computers.

Usage of token or bit-passing schemes prevents the occurrence of errors or collisions when two computers are simultaneously transmitting files. Nowadays, two LAN technologies commonly employed are Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Ethernet can operate as a shared medium by using a coaxial cable or special twisted pair wires; however, it can also be utilized in wireless LANs. A widely used form of Ethernet, known as 10BASE-T, maintains a data transfer speed of up to 10 Mbps.

Appliances are connected with a cable and use the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection protocol (CSMA/CD) for access. Wi-Fi technology, based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, enables devices like cell phones, personal computers, electronic books, or IPods to wirelessly access the Internet through hotspots. These hotspots can be used for limited home or office use or to provide free or paid public access in places such as airports or cafes. Campus Area Network (CAN) is a computer

network system that connects multiple local networks within a corporate or university campus.

The text states that in this scenario, all campus departments and facilities, including academic buildings, administrative offices, the library, student and technology centers, the conference hall, and students' residence halls, are utilizing the same hardware and sharing a single networking system and technologies. The organization owns all the hardware equipment such as routers, switches, cabling, and wireless network points. The university network, similar to corporate area networks like Googleplex and Microsoft's Campus, connects various structures within the corporation or organization (Javvin). A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is larger in size compared to a Corporate Area Network (CAN) but uses the same technology as a Local Area Network (LAN), essentially functioning as a larger version of a LAN.

MAN, which stands for Metropolitan Area Network, can be either a private or public network that serves a cluster of corporate offices or an entire city. Its design is simplified as it uses minimal cables and does not require switching elements (Tanenbaum). The use of fiber optic cables or other digital media allows for high-speed connectivity within a MAN. It provides Internet access to metropolitan LANs and can also be utilized for cable television.

MAN, also known as DQDB (Distributed Queue Dual Bus), is based on the IEEE 802.6 standard. DQDB consists of two unidirectional buses that connect all computers. Each cable has a head-end device responsible for information transfer. With DQDB technology, connectivity can be provided up to 20 miles away from the network access, achieving speeds of up to 155 Mbit/s.

Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a larger geographical area compared to a metropolitan network. It can

connect various smaller networks such as LANs and MAN, enabling users and computers from different locations to communicate. A practical example of WAN usage is seen in drugstores where it facilitates efficient customer service. For instance, customers can access a shared customer database even when located in different states. Commercial organizations utilize WANs to securely share and transmit information related to sales, development, production, marketing, and accounting with authorized locations.

The concept of Wide Area Network (WAN) creates new possibilities for the business world and human resources management. A unified computer network system within a company allows employees to be more flexible, working from various locations instead of being tied to their office workplace. In situations where a network is inaccessible, workers can easily transition to another hotspot and continue their work (Tatum, 2010). WAN can be constructed using leased line, packet or circuit switching, or cell relay technologies. Leased line, which is the most secure but also the most costly option, is used when two computers or LANs are connected via point-to-point connection technology.

PPL, SDLC, HNAS, and PPL are protocols commonly used in leased line connections such as a dialup connection. These protocols help establish circuit switching by creating a circuit path between two network nodes. PPP, IDSN or other protocols can also be utilized in circuit switching.

Package switching involves transferring packets of divided data through a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint link via the carrier internetwork. This can be achieved by establishing either Switched Virtual Circuits or Permanent Virtual Circuits. Much like circuit switching, package switching is cost-effective but utilizes a shared link. X.25 Frame-Relay is a possible protocol for this purpose. In comparison, cell

relay technology operates similarly to package switching but employs fixed length packets.

Data is divided into fixed-length packets and then transmitted through virtual channels. This method is convenient for transmitting both voice files and data simultaneously, but it may result in overhead. ATM, a commonly used protocol in cell relay connections, is an example of this. Telephone lines, satellite channels, and microwave links are commonly used in telecommunication networks for WANs.

The Internet is the most commonly used Wide Area Network (WAN) technology (Mitchell). It includes components like VPN-based extranets, which are also considered WANs. Global Area Network (GAN) is the largest type of computer network system that connects different computer networks over a wide geographical area. A well-known example of GAN is Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), which utilizes satellites to offer Internet connection even in remote locations. BGAN terminals are portable and user-friendly as they are compact in size and do not necessitate large satellite dishes for connectivity.

BGAN technology is crucial for providing connectivity in areas where other cellular or wireless network systems are unavailable. Furthermore, there exist several other computer networking technologies utilized today for different purposes. Home Area Network (HAN) serves to connect a limited number of computers and electronic devices within a home environment. Virtual Private Network (VPN) enables data transfer through shared or public networks while maintaining the characteristics of a private network. Instead of physical wires, open point-to-point connections or vital circuit in a larger network are used to establish links between nodes. However, if there is no service level agreement (SLA) between the VPN service provider and the VPN customer, best-effort performance may be observed (Warehand, 2009).

The Internet, which

is also referred to as an Internetwork, involves connecting distant computer networks using a shared routing technology. This enables efficient communication and data transfer between computers and electronic devices. Given the increasing significance of technology in contemporary society, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals of network topology, operation, and practical applications. Although each network system possesses its own distinct physical and logical structure, they can be merged to improve service and communication among personal computers and other networks.