Computer Networks - 1

A computer network is defined as a collection of interconnected computing devices, such as computers, that can exchange data. While other devices can be part of a network, the fundamental definition centers on computers.

Modern computer networks are designed to handle various types of digital information, including data files, voice (VoIP), and video streaming. Therefore, they can exchange all of these types of content.

Computer networks allow for resource sharing, such as printers, storage, and software, which reduces the need for redundant hardware and software licenses. This leads to a reduction in overall costs for an organization.

One of the primary benefits of networking is resource sharing, where expensive hardware like printers can be accessed by multiple users on the network. Books and CDs are physical media not typically shared via network protocols in this context.

Computer networks facilitate communication between people (via email, messaging) and between systems or databases (via API calls, data synchronization). Thus, both are correct.

Broadcast networks are characterized by a single communication channel that is shared by all machines on the network. Any message sent on this channel is received by all other machines.

Reliability is increased in computer networks because if one machine fails, the data or service can often be accessed from another machine on the network. This redundancy ensures that information remains available.

Computer networks allow users to access information stored on remote servers or computers, regardless of their physical location. This is a core function of modern networking.

Computer networks enable a wide range of online activities, including shopping, bill payment, and general web browsing. All these activities rely on network connectivity.

Based on transmission technology, computer networks are generally classified into two types: broadcast networks and point-to-point networks.

In packet-switched networks, each packet contains a header that includes control information, such as the destination address, which tells the network where to send the packet.

E-mailing is a digital communication service that requires a network of computers to transmit messages from a sender to a recipient. None of the other options provide the infrastructure for electronic communication.

In computer networking, data is broken down into small, manageable units for transmission, which are referred to as packets.

In broadcast networks, if multiple devices attempt to transmit data on the shared channel simultaneously, their signals interfere with each other, which is known as a collision.

Broadcasting is the term used for sending a packet to all computers on a network segment. Multicasting is for a specific group, and unicasting is for a single destination.

LAN stands for Local Area Network, which is a network that connects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, or office building.

When a collision occurs, the data packets involved are typically corrupted or destroyed, leading to data loss and the need for retransmission.

Multicasting is the delivery of a message or data to a specific group of destination computers on a network. It is distinct from broadcasting (all) and unicasting (one).

In a Local Area Network (LAN), the physical distance is limited, which means the transmission time is bounded (predictable and finite).

In a broadcast network with a single shared channel, only one computer can successfully transmit at any given time to avoid collisions. If multiple computers transmit simultaneously, the signals collide.

WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which covers a broad area such as a city, country, or even the entire world.

Ethernet is the most widely used standard for Local Area Networks (LANs), defining how data is transmitted over the physical medium.

MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network, which is a network that covers a larger geographic area than a LAN, typically a city or a large campus.

Traditional Ethernet LANs typically operate at speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet). While modern LANs can be faster, 10-100 Mbps is the classic range for this context.

 Option 1 is right. Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for LAN. Ethernet
was commercially introduced in 1980 and standard in 1983 as IEEE 802.3.
IEEE 802.11 is a set of MAC and physical layer specifications for implementing WLAN computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6, 5 and 60 GHZ frequency band.