INTRODUCTION

Networking involves the interconnection of workstations, terminals and other networked devices. In most cases a network allows computers of different types to intercommunicate using a network protocol. The protocol that the computers use is thus more important to communication, than their actual make. Thus, in other for them to communicate, computers on a network must have a common protocol.

For many of the first generation computers, it was an independent working or what we can refer to as standalone devices and this generated some difficulties because there was no communication between two or more computers. Such problems caused includes:

• The problem of communication between computers
• The problem of configuration management in computers
• The difficulty of resources duplication as each computer requires its own resources

However, these problems were solved with local area networks (LANs), which connect computers and other devices within a single building, of the many advantages of LANs the granting of shared resources such as printers and files sharing is of great importance. They are also efficient in transferring files within an organization, but it was still difficult to transmit data over a large geographical area. This led to the development of WANs (Wide Area Networks), and MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks).

•  Local area networks (LANs), which connect over a relatively small geographical area, typically connecting computers within a building. In most cases they connect to common electronic connection- commonly known as a network backbone. It can connect to other networks either directly or through a WAN or MAN.
•  Metropolitan area networks (MANs), which normally connects networks around a town or city. An example is the EaStMAN (Edinburgh and Stirling MAN) network that connects universities and colleges in Edinburgh and Stirling, UK.
• Wide area networks (WANs), which connect networks over a large geographical area, such as between different buildings, towns even countries.

The four main methods of connecting a network to another network are:

• Through a modem connection. A modem converts binary digits into a form which can be transmitted over a speech-limited transmission channel. This transmit data in analogue form.
• Through an ISDN connection. An ISDN (integrated services digital network) connection uses the public telephone service transmitting data in a digital form.
• Through a gateway. A gateway connects one type of network to another type.
• Through a bridge or router. Bridge and routers normally connect one type of network to one of the same type. They are now these days refer to as gateways.

For more check: 

http://www.cyber.ust.hk/handbook3/0A_hb3.html#Network%20Technologies  http://www.cyber.ust.hk/handbook3/0A_hb3.html#Networktopologies http://www.delmar.edu/Courses/ITNW2313/network.htm

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