Data Network – Definition and Uses

Data Network definition. A network is a structure with a characteristic pattern. It also can refer to the connection of computers and other devices that share resources.

Data is a term that denotes information, a document, or testimony that enables access to knowledge or suggests the legal significances of a fact.

The structure is known as a data network, which allows information transmits via data exchange. These networks designs specifically to achieve their goals, with a specific architecture to facilitate content transmission.

However, we cannot ignore that a data network is also put into operation for two other primary purposes. They are sharing software and hardware and supporting and centralizing the corresponding management.

The implementation also makes it possible to significantly improve the speed and reliability of exchanging information and reducing costs in the company or institution that chooses to create it.

When we discuss a data network, we have to take into account that it must have several essential elements for it to be understands as such and to carry out its functions without any problems:

• Servers that act like administrators of the information and of the entire process itself.
• Pach panels, which are the systems responsible for organizing all the necessary cabling.
• The hubs that amplify the signals that play a central role in this exchange of information.

Cables called patch cables or horizontal cables are further proposals that are also central to a data network.

Uses of the data network

These networks created on packet switching. They describe in different ways depending on their physical architecture, size and distance traveled.

Depending on the scope, a data network assumes a Private area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), and metro area network (MAN) or vast area network (WAN), among others.

A PAN network is a network that links computers near a person, while a local area network facilitates the exchange of data in a small area (such as an office or building).

On the other hand, the MAN network offers coverage in a larger geographical area and the WAN network in a larger geographical area. It means that a WAN data network allows data shares over a large area.

What is a data network?

The primary goal of data transmission and networking is to enable communication and information exchange between individuals and organizations. The two major types of data networks are broadcast networks. A node transmits information to several nodes simultaneously, and point-to-point networks in which each transmitter communicates with a receiver.

Signals are generally transmits using three main methods:

Circuit switching: Before two nodes communicate, they create a dedicated communication channel over the network.

Message switching: Each message forwards completely from one switch to another. The message saves and information is read at each switch before it transmits to the next switch.

Packet switching: Messages get broken down, and information clusters into packets. Each packet is communicates over a digital network on the most optimal route to ensure minimal data network speed. The message reassembled at the destinations.

For establishing communication between machines, data center networks depend on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), the Internet Protocol Suite, which specifies how data  packs, addresses, sent, routed, and received.

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Network categories in data communication

There are six main categories for data communication and networking:

Personal Area Network (PAN): A network for connecting electronic devices in an individual personal work area

Local Area Network (LAN): A computer network made up of access points, cables, routers, and switches. It allows devices to connect over wide area networks (WANs) or connect to web servers and internal servers in a limited area or at other premises. Zone networks (MAN).

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN works the same as a LAN but covers an entire metropolitan area or campus. MANs are bigger than LANs but smaller than WANs

Wide Area Network (WAN): It is a collection of local area networks and other networks. It communicate and exchange information over a large geographic area, probably more than 50 km in diameter. The most extensive WAN is the Internet.

Cellular data network: A wireless network dispersed over terrestrial “cells” in which fixed-location transceiver base stations provide that particular cell with network coverage and transmit content such as voice and data. Each cell allocates with a unique set of frequencies to avoid interference with other neighboring cells.

Satellite network: Satellite networks consist of a central hub and several thousand remote hubs. Use cases include broadband internet services, military surveillance, navigation information, radio broadcasts, telecommunications, television programming, voice and data transmission to mobile devices, and weather data.

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