| In a nutshell, computer networking is basically a | | | | formation of the network. And the bus network |
| cluster of computers linked together in a way | | | | is the most straightforward among the various |
| that it can transmit data and share resources. | | | | network topologies. Let us begin with the bus. All |
| These sets of connections do not necessitate | | | | the machines link up to a linear transmission |
| that the computers bear the same operating | | | | channel, or the bus. |
| systems (OS); it does not even require that | | | | In operation, when a computer sends off data |
| similar types of gadgets be used. A perfect | | | | through the bus, all connected machines can see |
| example is a personal data assistant (PDA). One | | | | the data, otherwise known as packet. These |
| may connect a PDA to a laptop over a network. | | | | packets possess pieces of information tagged as |
| Even kitchen appliances like the internet enabled | | | | packet headers. And these headers, in turn, |
| refrigerator uses networking to activate its | | | | reflect the recipient or to which computer or |
| surfing functions. | | | | machine the data is intended for. The bus inspects |
| How Is Networking Done? | | | | the header: if it is for that computer then the |
| There are various methods to link computers and | | | | whole packet is recognized and received, but if it |
| other gadgets to a network. And among the | | | | is not, it will be merely ignored. |
| plethora of ways and means, the most common | | | | The Downside: One at a Time |
| networking method is the use of cables. The | | | | Unfortunately, the bus can only handle a single |
| market provides an assortment of cables from | | | | data at any given time. In here, two is a crowd. |
| copper-wired to fiber optics each with its | | | | Imagine what could happen if three computers in |
| advantages and disadvantages. | | | | the network simultaneously transmit data. Well, |
| Copper Wire: Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP) | | | | you will certainly have a few network problems if |
| The UTP is one of the frequently utilized cables | | | | this collision happens. Speaking of collision, if and |
| for a local area network (LAN) connection, which | | | | when two computers concurrently send data, the |
| is essentially linking a few computers within a small | | | | main computer (or the first one that notices the |
| geographical area (thus the name, LAN). Going | | | | collision) will transmit a blocking sign onto the bus. |
| back to the UTP, this is composed of two | | | | This will trigger a standstill among the linked |
| unshielded and insulated copper wires coiled and | | | | computers preventing any further data exchange. |
| twisted together to diminish electrical interference. | | | | Network Interface Cards (NIC) |
| This type of cable is often opted due to its | | | | NICs usually control the 'to and fro' or the |
| flexibility, easy maintenance and low cost. The | | | | transmission of packets across the wires bridging |
| downside, it can (and will) possibly receive severe | | | | the computers in a single network. It also |
| blows from electrical interference. | | | | provides a venue of communication among the |
| Fiber Optics | | | | computers. |
| Data is exchanged by sending voltages along the | | | | Hub |
| wire. But for fiber optics, the data is transmitted | | | | Hub is intended for small-scale computer |
| through light pulses. While the UTP has copper, | | | | networking. The problem with this is that it does |
| fiber optics has threadlike strands of glass, or | | | | not sort packets, meaning the data may be sent |
| silica. The process goes like this: the laser | | | | to the wrong recipient. Another is that the data |
| translates digital signals into pulses of light and | | | | will be open for everyone in the network. Security |
| conveys it down the series of glass strands. Fiber | | | | wise, this is not the way to go. |
| optics offer rapid data correspondence, though | | | | Router |
| this speed comes with a price, a pocket burning | | | | To speed things up, this is a network device that |
| price. With that said, this kind of connection is | | | | diffuses data packets between two networks |
| often seen being utilized by huge internet service | | | | bearing different protocols. Yes, it is that blinking |
| providers (ISP) and data centers, not in office or | | | | box that allows you to connect to the web. |
| home networks. | | | | There you go. This is simply scratching the |
| Network Topology: Bus Network | | | | surface of networking. You may opt to scour the |
| Simply put, network topology is the physical | | | | internet for more information. |