Whilst computer networks are a new phenomenon, networks themselves are much older:
Silk Road: A vast network of overland trade routes connecting China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
Roman Road System: An extensive network of roads built by the Romans to connect their empire, enabling military movement, trade, and communication.
Inca Road System: A network of roads and trails spanning the Inca Empire, used for communication, military movement, and trade.
These networks were used to share news and physical resources.
Computer Networking is the practice of connecting computers and other devices together to share digital information and resources. It enables communication between devices and facilitates the exchange of data and services.
Networks play a pivotal role in our interconnected world, enabling various applications, services, and data to be accessed and transmitted locally or globally.
What is a network?
What is the purpose of networking?
The first computer network
The first computer network is widely considered to be ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), developed in the late 1960s by the U.S. Department of Defense's ARPA (now DARPA).
Established in 1969 at the height of the Cold War it was designed to enable reliable communication between computers at different locations, initially for military and academic research.
Networking is the process of a connection between two or more devices.
Advantages of Computer Networks
Resource Sharing
Networks allow connected devices to share resources such as printers, storage, and internet connections, optimizing resource utilization and reducing costs.
Collaboration and Communication
Networking facilitates real-time collaboration and communication, enabling effective teamwork, information sharing, and streamlined decision-making processes.
With computer networks, data and information can be quickly and efficiently between devices.
Advantages of Networking
Centralized Data Storage
Networks enable centralized data storage, allowing for easy access, backup, and management of critical information, ensuring data security and integrity.
Centralized Management
Network administrators can monitor and manage network resources centrally, ensuring efficient operation, security, and troubleshooting.
Computer networks enhance by allowing users to work on shared documents and projects.
Advantages of Networking
Cost Savings
Networking can lead to cost savings through resource sharing, reduced hardware requirements, and efficient data transmission, making it an economical choice for businesses.
Data Backup and Recovery
Networks facilitate data backup and recovery processes, safeguarding critical data from loss or damage and ensuring business continuity.
What is one benefit of networked storage?
Drawbacks of Computer Networks
Security Risks
Networking exposes devices to security threats such as viruses, malware, hacking, and data breaches, which can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or damage to networked systems.
Complexity
Managing and troubleshooting networks can be complex, especially in larger or more intricate network infrastructures, requiring skilled IT professionals and resources.
Costly Infrastructure
Setting up and maintaining a network can be expensive, involving costs for hardware, software, cabling, and ongoing maintenance.
The reliability of computer networks can be affected by or software failures.
Drawbacks of Computer Networks
Dependency on Infrastructure
Networks rely on physical components, and if any part of the infrastructure fails (e.g., routers, switches, cables), it can disrupt communication and business operations.
Data Privacy Concerns
Networking can raise concerns about data privacy, especially when sensitive information is transmitted over public networks like the internet, potentially exposing it to interception or theft.
Computer networks can be expensive to and maintain.
Computer networks can be prone to loss or corruption.
