When their computers are joined in a network, people can share files and peripherals such as modems, printers, tape backup, drives and CD-ROM drives Modern networks can also provide connections for telephones, fax machines and a wide variety of Internet-enabled devices. We also have optical networks that use high intensity laser light to transmit data over a really thin optical cable that goes underground, or underwater. .
Every network includes: .
1. At least two computers: Often, as a network grows and more computers are added, one computer will act as a server, a central storage point for files or applications programs shared on the network. Servers also provide connections to shared peripherals such as printers. Setting up one computer as a server prevents you from having to outfit every networked computer with extensive storage capability and duplicate costly peripherals. The computers that connect to the server are called clients.
2. A network interface on each computer (the device that lets the computer talk to the network; usually called a Network Interface Card [NIC] or adapter).
Network interface cards or adapters, arte usually installed inside a computers case. NICs may be necessary for high-traffic applications and devices such as video-on-demand servers. In addition you need to ensure that your NICs will support the type of cabling you will use; twisted-pair, coaxial or a mixture of both. Some of them will support wireless networking, which uses radio technology to transmit a signal through the air instead of over a wire. These NICs handle most of the same functions as a NIC in a wired network, preparing data for transmission over the connecting media.
3. A connection medium; usually a wire or cable, but wireless communication between networked computers and peripherals is also available. Networks use three primary types of wiring: Unshielded Twisted Pair cable consists of a number of twisted pairs with a plastic casing.
