Rafi's ICT Blog

Computer networks have existed almost as long as electronic computers themselves. Originally, these networks consisted of a central mainframe computer with a number of terminals (or workstations). Usually, these terminals did none of the processing or storing of data and information. Processing and storage were handled by the mainframe. This was known as centralised processing. Today, computer networks consist of a mixture of centralised processing and distributed processing, where the terminals can process and store data and information.

A communications network is a set of products, concepts and services that enable the connection of computer systems. Their purpose is to transmit data in a variety of forms (for example, voice and video) between the systems. The Internet is arguably the world’s largest communications network. In its simplest form, a network is two computers linked together, usually with cables. As they become larger and more complicated, networks consist of computers and their peripheral devices. Each device on a network is called a node. Networks allow many users, usually within a company or organisation, to share limited or expensive resources such as printers and scanners. Computer networks also allow users to share software and data, and to communicate quickly and efficiently over vast distances.