Computer Networks

[Audio] Computer Networks. Computer Networks.

[Audio] In this lesson you will learn about: Computer network Types of computer network Types of network topologies.

[Audio] A computer network is a collection of computers linked together so that they can communicate with each other. A computer that is not connected to a network is called a stand-alone computer..

[Audio] There are two different types of computer network: Local Area Network or L-A-N Wide Area Network or W-A-N.

[Audio] L-A-N In a L-A-N the computers are all in the same building or in different buildings on one site permanently connected to each other with special cables..

Wide Area Network or WAN The computers are spread over a large geographical area not permanently connected to each other and communicate using telephone lines, radio transmitters or satellite links..

[Audio] Network Topology The topology of a network describes the way cables are used to connect network devices like servers workstations or printers. The different types of topologies are: Bus Ring Star and Mesh.

[Audio] In a bus topology all the computers are connected through their own cable to a single central cable this is the simplest type of topology..

Bus topology.

[Audio] In a ring topology computers are connected to each other forming a large circle. Data is sent around the ring until it reaches its final destination. A problem with this topology is that if one computer fails the entire network will break down this is one reason why ring topologies are not used much anymore..

Ring topology.

[Audio] In a star topology each computer is connected directly to a central server by a dedicated cable. This type of topology is very reliable but the cost of cabling can be quite expensive..

Star topology.

[Audio] In a mesh topology every computer is connected to every other computer by a cable..

[Audio] In this lesson we have learnt about: The definition of computer network Types of computer network Network topologies.