Definitions Of A Computer Network - 2783 Words

Define and explain the following terminologies Computer network: In a computer network, relevant equipment is interconnected through the usage of wires or wireless mechanisms in order to exchange data. In particular, a computer network allows for info and data to be exchanged, at an instance, from one interconnected spot to another. In such case, a client/server system applies; a terminal is directly connected to a relevant local area network (LAN). In contemporaneous business-doing, computers are usually connected through LAN to shared office resources (i.e. software) located on a relevant office server that allows for interconnection of users, who can use available office resources via terminals that act as connection points (Kuross †¦show more content†¦In a LAN, terminals can be connected to a central terminal (i.e. computer) that may act as the means for the particular network to achieve external intercommunication as well. In such case, a LAN of a certain building A can be interconnected to the LAN of a certain building B through a local area network-to-local area network infrastructure. Such interconnection is highly useful and significant when in need to save cost by sharing a printer, for example, between departments that would need, otherwise, separate printing devices (Kuross Ross, 2005, p.34). Metropolitan area networks (MANs) In a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), parties (i.e. companies, individuals, etc.) can be interconnected with each other and connect to the Internet in an area of up to 50 kilometers. In a MAN, local area networks can be interconnected with a metropolitan area network through appropriate network infrastructure consisting of fiber-optic links that allow for fast interconnection between client/server LAN and for a connection to a relevant Internet Service Provider. The usage of a MAN, allows for companies to have access to ISP services and to the software that is being hosted in an ISP although being off site (Kuross Ross, 2005, p.35). Wide area networks (WANs) Wide Area Networks constitute the next stage of MANs; interconnections between computer networks have no geographical limit and can extend to cities, prefectures, countries and the whole world. Through the usage of a wide