Connectivity

Computer networks are the main connectivity mechanism for passing data in an electronic environment. A network is composed of several computers connected by a wired or wireless medium so data and other resources can pass through for sharing.

A computer network may be as small as two computers connected by wire or wireless medium to as big as millions of computers connected throughout the internet. There are generally five classifications of network connectivity which are personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan are network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN).

Computer networks may also be classified according to the hardware technology used in connecting each device. The classification include Ethernet, wireless, LAN, Home PNA and power line communication.

The arrangement of computers in a network can also vary. The network topology refers to geometric forms in network connectivity. This could also describe the way computers see each other in relation to their logical order. Examples of network typologies are mesh, ring, star, bys, star-bus combination, tree or hierarchical typologies. It is good to note that although topology implies form, network topology is really independent of the physical placement or layout of computers. For instance, a star topology does literally mean that computers form a star but it means that computers are connected using a hub which has many points to imply a star form.

Perhaps the biggest aspect of computer connectivity is the use of communications protocol. In a network, different formats of data are being shared by different computer systems which may have different hardware and software specifications. Communications protocol tries to break down the disparity so that data could be shared and appropriately processed.

Communications protocol are the set of rules and standards by which data is represented, signaled, authenticated and corrected before or after sending over the channel of communication. For example, in a voice communication like the case of radio dispatcher talking to mobile stations, they follow a standard set of rules on how to exchange communication.