What is Computer Network?

A computer network is a digital telecommunications network used to connect computers together through network connection devices and communication media (network protocols, transmission medium) according to some structure and these computers exchange information and data back and forth with each other.

What benefits does a computer network bring?

What do computer networks share? Below are some outstanding benefits that computer networks bring to people's 4.0 lives today:

Share your files to other users

View, edit, and copy files on another computer as easily as working with an object on your own computer.

Computers and devices in the same network can share resources such as: Printers, fax machines, computer storage devices (HDD, FDD and CD drives), webcams, scanners, modems and many other devices.

In addition, users participating in a computer network can also share files and programs on the same network.

How does a computer network work?

Specialized devices such as switches, routers, and access points make up a computer network.

The switch connects and helps internally secure computers, printers, servers along with other devices connected to the network in the home or organization. An access point is a switch that connects a device to a network without using cables.

Routers connect networks to other networks and act like a coordinator. This now analyzes data sent over a network, chooses the best route for it and sends it on its way. Routers connect your home and business networks to the world and help protect information from outside security threats.

Although switches and routers differ in a number of ways, one key difference is how they identify endpoint devices. Layer 2 switches uniquely identify a device by its "recorded" MAC address. Layer 3 routers uniquely identify a device's network connection by its network-assigned IP address.

Today, most switches include some level of routing functionality.

MAC and IP addresses uniquely identify devices and network connections, respectively, within a network. A MAC address is a number assigned to the network interface card (NIC) by the device manufacturer. An IP address is a number assigned to a network connection

How are computer networks developing?

Computer networks provide more than just connectivity. Currently, many organizations and businesses are gradually focusing on digital transformation. Networks are extremely important in this digital transformation and thus become more and more successful.

Types of computer network architectures are evolving to meet demand:

• Self-determining software (SDN): Technology is increasingly developing in the "digital" age, network architecture is gradually becoming more self-programmable, automated and open. In software-defined networks, traffic routing is centrally controlled through software-based mechanisms. This helps the network respond faster to changing conditions

• Intent-based (IBN): Built on SDN principles, not only delivers speed but also establishes a dedicated network to achieve desired goals through extensive automation of operations , analyze performance, identify problem areas, provide comprehensive security, and integrate with business processes.

• Virtualization: Physical network facilities can be partitioned logically, creating multiple "covering" networks. Each of these logical networks can be tailored to help meet specific security, quality of service (QoS), and other requirements.

• Controller-based: Network controllers are critical to network expansion and security. Controllers automate network functions by translating business intent into device configuration, and they monitor devices continuously to help ensure performance and security. Controllers simplify operations and help organizations meet changing business requirements.

• Multi-domain integration: Larger businesses can build separate networks, also known as network domains, for their offices, WANs, and data centers. These networks communicate with each other through their controllers. Such cross-network or cross-domain integrations typically involve the exchange of relevant operational parameters to help ensure the achievement of desired business outcomes across network domains.

Classification of computer networks

Computer networks are classified by function and by network connection model. To better understand the types of computer networks, see details below:

Classified by function

Below are 3 types of models used in popular computer networks that cannot be ignored:

- P2P (Peer-to-peer) network model, also known as peer-to-peer network: Computers participating in the P2P network model all have nearly the same role. All computers can provide their resources to other computers. Not only that but it can also use the resources of other computers in the system. However, P2P should not be used for large-scale network models.

- Client - Server model (client - server model): In the Client - Server model there will be 1-2 machines performing management tasks and providing resources. The computers that receive management tasks are considered servers and the computers that receive tasks are called clients.

- Website-based model: The internet is increasingly growing, connecting all users around the world. Users can easily share data and send messages as long as they have an internet connection.

Classified by network connection model

In addition to classifying computer networks by function, computer networks are also classified by network connection model as follows:

LAN network

A LAN (Local Area Network) is commonly used in a business to provide Internet connectivity to all people in the same space with a single Internet connection. All Internet devices are capable of being configured as nodes in a LAN and can be connected to the Internet through a separate computer.

Computers on a LAN are also used to connect office workstations to provide access to printers. However, a LAN computer network only has coverage in a very small area of ​​just 1 building.

WAN network

Completely different from LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network) can cover a large geographical area, crossing national or international borders.

A WAN is implemented using leased lines provided by a service provider or by using network packets for data transmission.

INTRANET network

An Intrarnet is an extended intranet, it is basically a computer network where users from within a company can find all of their resources without having to go outside to another company.

INTRANET networks can include LAN, WAN and MAN networks

SAN network

SAN (Storage Area Network) provides a high-speed infrastructure for moving data between storage devices and file servers. The performance of the SAN network is very fast, with built-in redundancy features, the distance between machines in the SAN network can be up to 10 km

Network San has extremely low costs but has quite high efficiency, the optimal choice for businesses.

Computer network model

The 4 most popular and most mentioned computer network models today are: star network, linear network, ring network, and combination network.

Star Network

All stations are connected through a central device, which supports receiving signals from stations and transmitting them to the destination station. Depending on the purpose of the network request, the central device can be a hub, switch, router or central server.

The star network model helps establish Point-to-Point links through stations and central devices.

Advantages: Simple network setup, allows network configuration (add, remove stations), control and fix problems, maximize use of physical line speed.
 

Disadvantage: The connection distance from the station to the central device is limited (Suitable radius is about 100m).

Bus Network

The stations will be divided on a common transmission line (called Bus). The main transmission line will handle the connection through two special connectors called 

Terminators. Each station will be connected directly to the main axis through a T-connector (T-Connect) or through a transceiver.

The linear network model operates on Point-to-Multipoint or Broadcast links

Advantages: Easy design and operation, low installation costs

Disadvantages:  Unstable, if one node fails the entire network will stop working.

Ring Network

Each station receiving information is connected to each other through a repeater, which helps receive the signal and then transmit it to the next station. Thanks to that, the signal is transmitted in only one direction (ring shape).

The ring network follows a continuous series of Point-to-Point links between repeaters.

Advantages: Just like a star network, it helps optimize connection speed.

Disadvantage: If one station fails, the entire station will stop working, adding or removing stations will be more difficult.

Mesh Network

• Combination of two linear networks and star network (Star Bus Network): There is a separate signal splitter that acts as a central device, the network cable system is configured as Star Topology and Linear Bus Topology. This configuration helps multiple teams work far away from each other, making it easy to arrange compatible lines for any building.

• Combination of two star and ring networks (Star Ring Network): The configuration allows communications (Tokens) to be transferred around a central HUB. Thanks to that, it is a bridge between work stations and helps increase the necessary distance.

With the complete information above, it will help readers and businesses understand the basics of what a computer network is. Thanks to that, there will be better infrastructure investment decisions for businesses in the future!