Data & Network Communication Technology
A computer network consists of two or more computers connected by any of several physical mediums. This connection allows for the transmission of data between the computers, or nodes, on the network. A network can be as small as two computers connected by a crossover cable or as large as the Internet, where millions of nodes are connected by many compatible technologies. However, most networks are designed to meet certain specific needs and different network models and technologies are employed to meet these needs.
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Local Area Network
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A local area network refers to a typically small group of computers connected by a hub, switch or router depending on the size and needs of the network. The central idea behind a LAN is to allow for the high-speed transmission of data between computers so that files can be shared, projects can be collaborated on, and so that file storage can be centralized. LANs are commonly used in homes, offices, hospitals and schools.
Wide Area Network
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A wide area network is the interconnection of multiple networks over a large geographical area. The Internet is the most obvious example of a WAN but many private WANs exist as well. WANs utilize extremely high-speed "backbone" connections to connect multiple networks together for many of the same reasons LANs are created for individual computers. For example, a company with an office in New York and an office in Los Angeles might use WAN technology to allow the two offices' separate networks to act as if they were one large network.
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The Internet
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As was mentioned before, the Internet is essentially the largest publicly accessible WAN. It uses many types of technologies to connect millions of networks and computers together. In order to establish this compatibility, the Internet Protocol Standard was developed and adopted by all networking manufacturers. Once a computer is connected to the Internet, it can openly "serve" information like web pages, emails and instant messages across the entire network.
Wireless Networks
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Wireless networking technology has greatly changed the field of networking. Users can now become members of millions of tiny LANs by simply connecting wirelessly to the various networks. Most wireless networks operate under the IEEE 802.11 x standard, known simply as Wi-Fi, and employ some type of authentication process like WEP, that restricts people's access. However, more wide area public wireless networks are being built all of the time and free global Internet access for anyone with a computer may soon be a reality.
Data Transmission Modes
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Across all of these types of networks data is transmitted in one of three different ways. These modes of transmission are simplex, half duplex and full duplex. Simplex only allows for the one-way transmission of data from a sender to a receiver and it is almost never used anymore. Half duplex allows for transmission in both directions but data can only move in one direction at once. This is the case with many Internet service providers. Full duplex allows for the transmission of data in either direction simultaneously and is the fastest mode.
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