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Network Online Course

Lesson 1 - Network Basics

A. Defining a computer network

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Defining a computer network

• Collection of hardware and software
• Group of computing devices
• Uses communications software, particularly protocols
• That communicate and understand each other
• That share resources

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Computer network defined

A computing network is usually defined as a collection of computing devices with the required hardware and software which enables them to communicate and share resources.

Notice that the word “computing device” is used instead of “computer”. A dumb terminal communicating with a host over a serial line would certainly qualify as a network, even though a dumb terminal is not a computer.

Communications software is required for a network. The software embodies the set of rules, called a protocol, which the devices agree to use. Two devices may communicate with a fixed set of electrical signals, such as a computer to a printer. Because no extra software or protocol is involved, this would not be considered a network.

The concept of simultaneous access to shared resources is also central to networks. A resource dedicated to a device would probably disqualify the system from being considered a network.

Exercise 1-1: What is a computer network?

Indicate which of the following situations is a computer network. Be prepared to support your decision in a class discussion.

1. Computer sending a print job to an attached printer.
2. A computer with a fax/modem card sending a fax to a stand alone fax machine.
3. A computer sending a print job to a printer attached to another computer. The computers are attached to a common cable.
4. A teletype machine sending a message to another teletype machine in another country.
5. A home computer user finding a file on a host machine on the Internet.

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Network Online Course

Lesson 1 - Network Basics

A. Defining a computer network

---

Defining a computer network

• Collection of hardware and software
• Group of computing devices
• Uses communications software, particularly protocols
• That communicate and understand each other
• That share resources

---

Computer network defined

A computing network is usually defined as a collection of computing devices with the required hardware and software which enables them to communicate and share resources.

Notice that the word “computing device” is used instead of “computer”. A dumb terminal communicating with a host over a serial line would certainly qualify as a network, even though a dumb terminal is not a computer.

Communications software is required for a network. The software embodies the set of rules, called a protocol, which the devices agree to use. Two devices may communicate with a fixed set of electrical signals, such as a computer to a printer. Because no extra software or protocol is involved, this would not be considered a network.

The concept of simultaneous access to shared resources is also central to networks. A resource dedicated to a device would probably disqualify the system from being considered a network.

Exercise 1-1: What is a computer network?

Indicate which of the following situations is a computer network. Be prepared to support your decision in a class discussion.

1. Computer sending a print job to an attached printer.
2. A computer with a fax/modem card sending a fax to a stand alone fax machine.
3. A computer sending a print job to a printer attached to another computer. The computers are attached to a common cable.
4. A teletype machine sending a message to another teletype machine in another country.
5. A home computer user finding a file on a host machine on the Internet.

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