A computer network support can be defined as a group interconnected computers. A network can be classified according to a variety of characteristics. From a lay perspective, networking is a collection of computers with the aim of facilitating communication and sharing of resources between the computers. It allows a user to relay information by use of modems or cables to other remote computers.

Client server configuration is a concept that is vital to any networking system . A server is basically a centralized utility that manages the network traffic. It runs a sever program to aid it function appropriately. A single server can be used to perform a number of duties, alternatively a support system may have several severs performing specific duties.

Resources necessary for the optimum performance of the system are stored at the server and can be easily accessed by users. This calls for the server to have a big storage capacity since the data is in many Giga bytes. A client server architecture that utilizes the latest technology is necessary for this.

In this article we are going to have a look at the basics of any networking systems different networking classification and associated hardware. Networking is very wide and the scope of this article can not allow us to venture into all the aspects of a networking support system. Some classifications factoring in a number of facets are elaborated below.

A networking system can be based on the type of hardware or software technology employed. Optic fiber, Ethernet, wireless LAN, homePNA, power line communication technologies are examples of classification in regards to hardware or software technology used. Example Ethernet uses wires to connect different computers to each other. Optic fiber uses fiber optic technology to employ a client sever configuration.

Classification can also be in terms of network architecture . Example a system my have peer to peer or workgroup architecture or a client severs architecture. An active networking architecture is also an example of classification in terms of networking architecture used.

There are several types of topology. Networking may be classified in terms of the topology used. Examples of some common topologies are star, bus, hierarchical and ring networking topologies. A network topology basically signifies how a computer relates to other remote computers logically.

The following are some common terminologies in networking. PAN, This is basically a networking system used for communication among computer devices close to an individual.LAN; this is a networking system that covers a not so big geographical area. It could be a home, a building or office premises. It most cases it uses Ethernet technology.

CAN; this system connects two or more LANs. In most cases it is limited to a specific and contiguous geographical location say a college or a military base. MAN; it uses routers, hubs and switches to connect several WANs and LANs but does not go beyond a city or a town.

WAN; this is networking system that connects two or more cities, towns or countries to each other. Basically they are several LANs and MANs interconnected to each other. Other common terminologies are GAN, internet, intranet, and extranet. Common hardware employed in most computer networking are repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches and routers.

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Category: Computers and Technology
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