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What is a Network?
A network can be as simple as two
devices connected by a cable to thousands of devices connected by
high-speed data communication links dispersed throughout the world.
Purpose of Networks
A network provides two principle
benefits:
1. The ability to communicate. A network supports
communication among users in ways that other media cannot. Email,
the most popular form of network communication, provides low-cost,
printable correspondence with the capability for forwarding,
acknowledgment, storage, retrieval and attachments.
2. The ability to share. Sharing
involves not only information such as database records, email and
graphics, but also, resources such as applications, printers,
modems, disk space and scanners. Through its ability to share, a
network promotes collaboration.
Every local area network (LAN)
includes:
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At least two networked devices.
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A network device on each device, usually called a network
interface card (NIC) or
network adapter.
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A connection medium such as a wired or wireless connection
between networked
devices.
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A network operating system (NOS) that implements the protocol
stacks as well as
device drivers for networked devices.
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(Optional) A hub or switch to connect networked devices.
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