Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

31.6 NETWORKS

 

· A Network is a way of connecting different computers to allow data and message passing, and resource sharing.

 

· Early communication techniques included telegraphs (with morris code), telephones and teletypes.

 

· Advantages

  1. - allows shared computers and peripherals
  2. - provides communication and cooperation tools for people and computers
  3. - increases reliability by having alternate computers available
  4. - decreases isolation of many computers

 

· Disadvantages

  1. - more sophisticated hardware and knowledge required
  2. - additional costs

 

· Applications,

  1. - allows remote access to databases and libraries
  2. - electronic mail
  3. - distributed computational facilities
  4. - remote control of applications

 

 

31.6.1 Introduction

31.6.2 OSI Network Model