What is Computer Network and Explain its Types? Video Lecture | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests)

Ans. A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, routers, and switches, that are linked together to facilitate communication and data sharing between them.

Ans. There are several types of computer networks, including: - Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus. - Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN spans a large geographical area and connects multiple LANs or other networks together, often through public or private networks. - Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically serving a city or a metropolitan region. - Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a network used for communication between personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, within a short range. - Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices within a limited area without the need for physical cables.

Ans. Computer networks offer several advantages, including: - Resource sharing: Networks allow devices to share hardware resources, such as printers, scanners, and storage devices, making them more cost-effective. - Communication and collaboration: Networks enable seamless communication and collaboration between users, allowing them to share information, files, and applications easily. - Centralized data management: Networks allow for centralized data storage and backup, making it easier to manage and protect critical information. - Improved efficiency: Networks streamline processes and automate tasks, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. - Enhanced flexibility: Networks provide the flexibility to access resources and data from anywhere within the network, facilitating remote work and mobility.

Ans. Some common network protocols used in computer networks include: - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): The TCP/IP protocol suite is the foundation of the internet and is widely used for communication between devices on networks. - Ethernet: Ethernet is a widely used LAN technology that defines how devices in a network physically connect and communicate with each other. - Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11): Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a LAN or WLAN wirelessly. - Internet Protocol Security (IPSec): IPSec is a protocol suite used to secure internet communication by providing encryption and authentication. - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): SMTP is a protocol used for sending and receiving email messages over a network.

Ans. When designing a computer network, key factors to consider include: - Network topology: Decide on the network topology, such as a star, bus, ring, or mesh, based on the size, requirements, and scalability of the network. - Bandwidth requirements: Determine the expected network traffic and bandwidth requirements to ensure optimal performance and avoid congestion. - Security measures: Implement appropriate security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls, to protect the network and its resources from unauthorized access and attacks. - Scalability: Plan for future growth and scalability by considering the network's ability to accommodate additional devices and increased data traffic. - Redundancy and reliability: Incorporate redundancy and backup mechanisms to ensure network reliability and minimize downtime in case of failures or disruptions.