STRATEGIC NETWORK OPERATION

Anyone who's run a network operations group knows the frustration that accompanies management inquiries about “our network strategy.” To be successful, a strategic network plan must define the services the network will offer the line operations of the business. Network, in computer science, techniques, physical connections, and computer programs used to link two or more computers. Network users are able to share files, printers, and other resources; send electronic messages; and run programs on other computers. A network has three layers of components: application software, network software, and network hardware. Application software consists of computer programs that interface with network users and permit the sharing of information, such as files, graphics, and video, and resources, such as printers and disks.

Network software consists of computer programs that establish protocols, or rules, for computers to talk to one another. These protocols are carried out by sending and receiving formatted instructions of data called packets. Protocols make logical connections between network applications, direct the movement of packets through the physical network, and minimize the possibility of collisions between packets sent at the same time. These are some of the different types of Network software: Appletalk,

Arpanet, Bitnet, CWIS, Ethernet, IBM Token Ring netwrok, Internet, LAN, and

USENET. Also Class A, B, & C network refer to the different types of subnet protocol.

Local Area Networks(LANs), which connect computers separated by short distances, such as in an office or a university campus, commonly use bus, star, or ring topologies.

Wide area networks (WANs), which connect distant equipment across the country or internationally, often use special leased telephone lines as point-to-point links, and is the biggest network.

When computers share physical connections to transmit information packets, a set of Media Access Control (MAC) protocols are used to allow information to flow smoothly through the network. An efficient MAC protocol ensures that the transmission medium is not idle if computers have information to transmit. It also prevents collisions due to simultaneous transmission that would waste media capacity. MAC protocols also allow different computers fair access to the medium.

One type of MAC is Ethernet, which is used by bus or star network topologies. An

Ethernet-linked computer first checks if the shared medium is in use. If not, the computer transmits. Since two computers can both sense an idle medium and send packets at the same time, transmitting computers continue to monitor the shared connection and stop transmitting information if a collision occurs. Ethernet can transmit information at a rate of 10 Mbps.

The most significant - and successful - encroachment occurred when switched

Ethernet devices appeared on the scene.