Specialized Computing Blog

Networking

When you get together with your friends, you are networking. When you go to a party and meet new people, you are networking. When you use online media to communicate with others, you are networking. So it stands to reason computer networks work along the same guidelines. Computer networks relate to a group of computers, which are linked together, communicating, in order to share information and available resources.

How Networking Works

Networks can consist of a multitude of machines, down to just a few. These may include laptop computers, desktop computers and a server, but also may encompass printers, scanners, data storage devices, fax machines and just about any other communication equipment you could think of. Of course, whether you are meeting with people in person, or online, there has to be someone available to help guide the conversation and keep everything on track. In the computer world of networking, this is known as the “data center,” usually located in the server room.

The data center is the headquarters of the networking team. All of the equipment necessary to maintain smooth operation of the network is kept inside an air-conditioned room. It is imperative to keep this equipment in top shape. If equipment starts to deteriorate, something could go wrong and there would be a negative effect on the entire network. If a connection comes un-soldered, the whole file storage department might be lost. If a cobweb shorts out the data communications side of the house, no transmissions will be able to get in or out of the network.

Of course, not everything has to be physical to go wrong. Since all of the devices are interconnected within this network, if something happens with one computer, it could damage the entire network. Think about the Christmas tree lights; when one goes out, the whole string goes out. If one computer is infected with a serious virus, the network may actually assist in spreading the virus between computers. Of course that is the worst case scenario. The first computer with the virus may be able to terminate it before spreading throughout the network, only sustaining damage to the communications portion of the network.

Next week, we’ll look at the different types of computer networks…