network Last modified: Monday, November 13, 2006
(n.) A group of two or more computer systems linked together. There are many types of computer networks, including: local-area networks (LANs) : The computers are geographically close together (that is, in the same building). wide-area networks (WANs) : The computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves. campus-area networks (CANs): The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a campus or military base. metropolitan-area networks MANs): A data network designed for a town or city. home-area networks (HANs): A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's digital devices. In addition to these types, the following characteristics are also used to categorize different types of networks: topology : The geometric arrangement of a computer system. Common topologies include a bus, star, and ring. See the Network topology diagrams in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia. protocol : The protocol defines a common set of rules and signals that computers on the network use to communicate. One of the most popular protocols for LANs is called Ethernet. Another popular LAN protocol for PCs is the IBM token-ring network . architecture : Networks can be broadly classified as using either a peer-to-peer or client/server architecture. Computers on a network are sometimes called nodes. Computers and devices that allocate resources for a network are called servers. (v.) To connect two or more computers together with the ability to communicate with each other.
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Open Networks Today offers its readers the ability to control how news is presented through customizing content filters, discussions, and news feed links. The Truth About Servers  What makes a server a server? Is there a difference between an e-mail server and a messaging server? Should a firewall be considered a server in certain circumstances? These questions and more are answered in an extensive tutorial that cuts through the marketing hype and explains the basics of key server types. Ultimate Guide to Networking  Introduction to networking, a run-through of networking terms and lingo, and descriptions of networking hardware. Communications News Home page An electronic magazine that provides articles containing practical information on today's corporate communications networks. Computer and Communications Standards Comprehensive collection of links to telecommunications standards and information pages. Direct Connect Contains information on how to network two computers on any Windows platforms using an inexpensive cable. Includes illustrated guides for use of interlink, direct cable connect, and remote access service. This form of networking is useful for transferring files from a notebook computer to a desktop, transferring files to a new computer, or sharing a printer. Greater Boston Network Users Group This organization is dedicated to helping members understand, use, and manage computer networks. They offer links to information on their organization, as well as network reference sites. Lucent Technologies home page Site of Lucent Technologies and offers links to their range of services, consumer products, programs, and company information. Network Magazine Online Offers an excellent collection of articles, tutorials, product guides and news and analysis. Network Professional Association (NPA) Contains organization and membership information, along with links to technical resources, training and certification, journals, and news. Network Standards Organizations Descriptions and links to the major international, regional, and national network standards institutes. Optical Networks Tutorial Excellent overview of optical networks. Addresses questions and explains the technologies, architectures, and market trends for emerging optical networks. Protocol Dictionary Information on all network protocols, including a precise overview of the protocol, a detailed protocol format, related protocols and reference links. Provides solutions that monitor distributed applications enterprise networks NetScout Systems is the industry leader in providing standards-based solutions that monitor distributed applications from end to end across enterprise networks. NetScout’s family of products provide the broadest view of your enterprise network, regardless of its topology. The Information Technology Professional's Resource Center (ITPRC) Provides links to technical information relating to data networking, networking, and career management information. The site also includes message and chat areas for IT professionals. The PC Technology Guide Outlines the principal networking technologies in general and the various solutions devised to support home networking in particular. Includes graphics, diagrams and an integrated glossary. What Network Do You Need? An overview of the different types of networks possibilities, from peer-to-pear to client/server, and what kind of products you need to run them. Yahoo!'s communication and networking index Yahoo!'s directory of communications and networking.	Networks 5-4-3 rule attenuation backbone cache coherence CAN CERT/CC client/server architecture communications dedicated server Ethernet firewall HAN heterogeneous network intranet local-area network MAN mesh multihomed network management network-attached storage packet switching piconet PON remote access server SAN Give Us Your Feedback Shopping network Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Network Cables 6085 Model Matches Networking Hubs and Switches 3003 Model Matches Servers 3344 Model Matches Network Adapters 2527 Model Matches Routers 1602 Model Matches