Title: What are computer networks and what are they used for?
Course: Appdate yourself 4t ESO (in English) - Curs 2020/21 > Section: Topic 6. Networks and Device Connections

Networks description

What is a computer network?

For many years computers were isolated machines working autonomously and the transfer of information with other computers was done by physical means like magnetic tapes and floppy disks. Before that, however, there were perforated tapes and cards which fell out of use in the 1980s.

If the computers were located close to each other, the data medium could be transported easily, but if they were far apart the process became complicated and above all, slowed down getting results.

Communication between computers came about as a technological need in their implementation and expansion process. One of the first solutions for communication between distant computers involved the use of acoustic couplers , directly employing the same voice telephones used for verbal communication and phone lines.

Acoustic coupler. Source: Wikipedia .

To get computers to converse they had to share a same language or communication protocol . This is essential for bringing two machines into communication.

As data volumes grow and the need to manage and access data has to be distributed, computers need new features and infrastructures to enable communication between them. That's why network computer connection technology was developed.

Computer Networks. Source: Wikipedia .

Connecting computers in a network not only makes it possible to exchange data, it has other very important applications from the operative viewpoint and also in the shared use of resources. Among many others, the functionalities that can be found in a network are: instant messaging system, email system, simultaneous work on the same database or document, centralised software installation, etc. With regards shared use of resources we can find: use of printers, scanners, hard disks, internet access, etc.

In short:

Networks enable:

   - The sharing of resources (files, internet connection, apps, etc.)

   - Communication between people (instant messaging, email, chats, etc.)

   - Single access to centralised databases and information.

 Computer networks need two interrelated elements to function:

   - a physical connection for data transmission.

   - protocols and a network operating system to manage communication.