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Classification of computer networks

After mankind was createdpersonal computers, it was necessary to create a new approach to the organization of systems, processing data, as well as the creation of new technologies in the storage, transmission and use of information. Somewhat later, there was a need to move away from the use of separate computers that function in systems that process data centrally to systems that can process data in a distributed manner.

Distributed data processing refers to the processing of information that is performed by independent but interconnected computers that represent a distributed system.

A computer network is a collectioncomputers, which are connected by communication channels, which makes it possible to create a single system that completely meets the requirements set by the rules of distributed processing of information. Thus, the main purpose of computer networks is the joint processing of data, in which all components of the system participate, regardless of their physical location.

Classification of computer networks implies theirthe division into types of computer networks, depending on the location of computers and other components relative to each other. Thus, the classification of computer networks implies their separation into:

Global - this is the computer network,uniting subscribers, which are located at a great distance from each other - from hundreds to tens of thousands of kilometers. Such networks provide an opportunity to solve the problem of combining the information resources of all mankind, and also to organize instant access to these resources;

Regional - a computer network,connecting subscribers, which are located on smaller than in global networks, but still considerable distances. An example of a regional network can serve as a network of a large city or an individual state.

Local - this is the computer network, combiningsubscribers who are located at relatively short distances from each other - most often in one building or several closely spaced buildings. These are networks of enterprises, offices of companies, firms, etc.

In addition, the classification of computer networksassumes that global, regional and local networks can be combined, which makes it possible to create multihomed hierarchies, which are powerful tools that allow processing huge information arrays and provide virtually unlimited access to information resources.

Among other things, the classification of computer networks,or rather its understanding makes it possible to build exactly such a system that fully satisfies the needs of this or that enterprise, office, city or state in the information. In general, computer networks consist of three subsystems nested in each other: a network of workstations, a network of servers and a basic data network.

Workstation (can be representedclient machine, workstation, subscriber station, terminal) is the computer behind which the subscriber of the computer network is working. A network of workstations is a set of workstations, as well as communication facilities, which are designed to ensure the interaction of workstations between each other and the server.

The server is a computer that performsgeneral network tasks and provides workstations with various services. A network of servers is a set of network servers, as well as communication facilities designed to connect servers to the core network.

The basic data transmission network is calleda set of means of transferring information between servers. The core network includes communication channels and communication nodes. A communication node is a collection of switching media, as well as information transmission, concentrated in one point. The purpose of the communication node is to receive data that is received via communication channels, as well as their transmission to channels that lead to subscribers.

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