Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network

Introduction:

The only thing that is consistent in our constantly changing environment is change. Developing computer systems for human use is a critical change in this dynamic environment. Computers were a revolutionary idea when they first appeared, and most people couldn't afford them. But because of years of hard work and innovation, computers are now available to almost everyone in various ways.

Computer Network: A computer network is a collection of linked computers and other gadgets that enable resource sharing, data exchange, and communication. To facilitate effective data exchange and user participation within the network, these networked devices can communicate with one another and share resources like files, printers, and internet connections.

Local area networks (LANs) that connect computers and networks within a single structure, wide area networks (WANs) that link geographically separated places, and global networks like the Internet that connect computers and networks worldwide are just a few different configurations for computer networks.

The Global Impact of Computer Networks

• Information and data have become invaluable assets in the current digital era, powering multibillion-dollar enterprises centred on gathering and storing them.
• How we connect and communicate has changed dramatically due to the growth of computer networks from complex, wired systems to seamless wireless connectivity.
• By bridging geographic gaps, this global network enables billions to remain linked over great distances.
• Its main objective is to offer a global platform allowing users to share information and maintain contact with loved ones easily. Computer networks' extensive use is primarily owing to their capacity to make information sharing simple.

Evolution of Storage in Computer Systems

Limited storage was a problem in the early days of computing. Computer systems require complicated setups with minimal attention paid to storage capacity. Computer systems now prioritize and increase storage capacity, a significant benefit of computer networks.

Computer networks are now widely recognized as wireless interconnected systems.

Computer Network Future

Computer networks are essential for streamlining and enhancing different facets of our lives and advancing various industries. They have also produced brand-new job and innovation opportunities.

It's crucial to understand, though, that these benefits come with considerable security dangers. Due to the expansion of the Internet, nefarious activities, including data theft and the abuse of personally identifiable information shared on these networks, have increased.

Computer networks' future depends on a rigorous analysis of their advantages and disadvantages to create a stable and secure digital environment.

Internet and Its Role in Computer Networks

• Revolutionary Invention: The Internet is regarded as one of the most revolutionary innovations in human history, bringing about significant changes in many facets of society.
• Military Origins: Its use by defence and army organizations to facilitate their operations effectively dates back to the 1960s.
• Evolution and Accessibility: The Internet has grown from its primitive state and become more accessible and user-friendly. It was used in scientific studies during the 1980s, which helped it gain major funding for development.
• Commercial Adoption: In the 1990s, the Internet underwent a fundamental change as well-known commercial networks and business businesses began to use it. This change signified the moment when the general public could access Internet services.
• Presence: The Internet has become a part of almost every area of our lives nowadays. Cellphones, tablets, computers, televisions, and even cars all contain it.
• Definition and Function: The Internet is a sizable network of connected networks, hence the term "network of networks." It is a single, interconnected global computer network that connects and balances computer networks worldwide. Compared to conventional modes, it aims to speed up information and data sharing.
• Protocol Foundation: Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) technology, which enables smooth communication between networks and devices, is the Internet's protocol foundation.
• Global and Decentralized: The Internet functions as a worldwide network that is decentralized and does not have a single controlling authority. To enable its secure and reliable operation, however, some fundamental protocols-such as IPv4 and IPv6-are in place. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a non-profit group of volunteers with technical knowledge, creates and manages these protocols.
• Challenges with security: Security is one of the main issues with Internet operations. Although it is intended to be a secure platform for information sharing, many unauthorized actions endanger the security and privacy of users. These include unauthorized access to personal data, fraud, network outages, and blackmail. In response, ongoing efforts are made to put safety measures in place to prevent cybercrimes and guarantee a secure online environment.

Advantages of Computer Network

Computer Networks have been put in place after a lot of decision-making and analysis, and it is expected to be the future of our evolution. That's why it is essential to know its advantages. The list of benefits of computer networks are:

1. Enhancement of Communication and Information Availability:

By offering faster and more advanced methods to connect individuals, computer networks have revolutionized communication. Messaging, video calls, and file sharing have facilitated global user connectivity.

Businesses with widespread offices and franchises can communicate and share information easily using networking techniques. Businesses and service industries alike have benefited from the ability to collaborate and receive fast feedback.

Facebook is a prime example of a business that has boomed because of information availability and communication.

2. Convenient Sharing of Resources:

Vast amounts of data production by large organizations can be a useful resource for current and future endeavours. Within these organizations, computer networks share resources, enabling effective data interchange and collaboration. This functionality is crucial for optimizing daily operations and ensuring that resources are available in several industries, including education, transportation, and hospitality.

3. Easy File/Data Sharing:

The sharing of files and data sets is the most vital feature of a computer network. The computer present during the initial stages didn't even have this file-sharing feature. Now, with constant advancements, this feature has not only been present in the computer network but has also become much easier. Many industries and organizations are using computer networks for their operations, and computer networks have made information sharing easier because such organizations run on their data. It is very important to get such data to be transferred efficiently. Computer networks also save a lot of time, and it has been proven monetarily beneficial in the long run.

4. Highly Flexible:

To accommodate consumers' changing requirements, modern technology must be adaptive and flexible. In this sense, computer networks shine, providing a variety of capabilities to accommodate users' desires for mobile and distant access. Because of their adaptability, computer networks have become a crucial part of our daily lives, boosting connectedness and ease.

5. Affordable:

The computer network was rare among people twenty years ago because it was mainly used for commercial purposes and was expensive to install. With time and the rapid modernization of everything worldwide, networking devices became common among folks, and their cost decreased.

The software now available in the computer world can be easily accessed and last very long on devices. The software and networking devices are available at very affordable rates and provide easy ways to transfer information across the network.

6. Increases Cost Efficiency:

Networking technology is constantly improving, which has prompted the creation of affordable software and apps. On the Internet, there are a lot of free or inexpensive software options that offer variety and long-term advantages. These techniques increase production, cut costs, and improve overall cost-effectiveness. VLC Media Player, Discord, WinRAR, and torrent clients are examples.

7. Networking Boosts Storage Capacity:

Users can access cloud storage options through computer networks, which maximize storage space at affordable prices. Cloud storage is crucial for effective data management in big businesses, where much data is produced daily. Users can access and upload the files they need online without using any local device storage. Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox are some well-known cloud storage providers.

8. Enhanced Security and Data Protection:

Advanced security mechanisms are available on computer networks to safeguard sensitive data. To protect their data from unauthorized access and online dangers, organizations might put in place firewalls, encryption mechanisms, and access controls. Additionally, data resilience may be ensured, and the threat of data loss due to hardware failures or disasters can be reduced by seamlessly integrating data backup and recovery solutions into network systems.

9. Centralized Management and Control:

Centralized management and control of resources, devices, and security regulations are made possible via computer networks. Setting up configurations, implementing security patches, and troubleshooting problems are all made simpler by the ability of network administrators to monitor and administer the entire network from a single location.

This centralized control makes network upkeep easier and less burdensome, which boosts the dependability and efficiency of the network. Additionally, it makes it possible to adopt uniform security procedures and standards across the whole network, improving both network and data security in general.

10. Scalability:

Businesses can quickly expand their infrastructure using computer networks to accommodate more users, devices, and data without experiencing significant disruptions. This adaptability permits effective expansion and upholds a solid network structure.

Disadvantages of Computer Network

Computer Network is the most prevalent technology of today's time, and most people in the world also use them. It is very modernized and is supposed to get more advanced with time. Still, its sustainability depends on overcoming the drawbacks faced inside the computer network by the people. The people who use the devices come from all across the world, and they bring in all kinds of malware with them. Some of the disadvantages of computer networks are:

1. Dependency on External Factors:

Computer networks depend on several external factors, including power supply, cable infrastructure, location, and the dependability of networking hardware. Any disruption or failure in these components can significantly impact the functionality of the network.

Furthermore, networks frequently rely on a central file server, and if it has problems, the whole network may be affected. Independence and self-sufficiency are decreased by this great degree of reliance on outside forces.

2. Security Vulnerabilities:

Computer networks are widely used, which poses security issues. Hackers and cybercriminals can use network flaws to access confidential data, resulting in privacy violations and data theft. It is challenging to stop unauthorized access and malicious activity due to the complexity of monitoring and protecting network operations worldwide.

3. Lacks Robustness:

The system of computer networks across the globe is connected to a singular primary server located at a fixed location. It runs most of the time smoothly, but in case of a malfunction, the whole will go into a blackout, and all the operations will shut down. To fix this problem, all these huge networks that connect many devices should have a very advanced computer that can serve as the server of the files. This procedure can make network maintenance easier and more frequent, and the risk of facing a total blackout decreases.

4. Presence of Computer Viruses and Malware:

The saved files on any device can contain viruses and bugs that can harm the device and cost serious money. There should be some check on the files that get downloaded through the Internet, but there is none, and the risk of getting the device corrupted is at its peak while extracting any file or application through the Internet.

5. Easy-going Policies and Light Policing of Computer Networks allow Negative Activities:

Different levels of supervision and regulation affect how computer networks operate, which can result in undesirable actions. Some people take advantage of the anonymity and size of the Internet to carry out illegal activities or express their resentment. Interconnected networks' decentralized nature makes it challenging to track and enact policies efficiently. Organizations have tried to implement policies in response. However, they frequently struggle to stop such undesirable behaviours.

6. Bandwidth Limitations:

Users share a limited amount of bandwidth on the Internet and in other networks. Large file transfers or streaming videos can cause a lot of network traffic, which can cause congestion and poor network performance. This may lead to irritating data transmission delays and decreased internet connections.

7. Costly Infrastructure Investment:

A large initial investment in hardware, software, and qualified staff is needed to establish and maintain a reliable computer network. Establishing and maintaining an effective network infrastructure could be expensive for small firms and organizations with tight finances.

8. Privacy Concerns:

Data sharing across computer networks frequently involves private and delicate information. There are several worries regarding data privacy and unauthorized access to personal information. Even with security precautions in place, there is always a chance that sensitive data could be exposed through data breaches.

Conclusion

The presence of computer networks is very helpful in this world, and it has a lot of positive impacts and has also modernized the world in many senses. It is the most convenient mode for transferring and sharing information and data.

Despite its ample features, everyone who uses the computer network should be well versed in its drawbacks.

The main point of figuring out the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks is that one should use them for an easier life, be aware of their risks, and not completely depend on them.