What is a local area network? Computer network functions

A local computer network is a system that allows exchanging information between devices connected to the system. A local computer network includes specialized software and hardware necessary to connect devices to computer channels that interact with each other and are located at a distance from each other, in the same room, building, in different places of the same organization or in the region. Network capabilities allow data to be shared and provide broad access to the capabilities of a central computer.

Computer network functions

The basic communicative model consists of:

• sources (personal computer);
• receiver (server);
• connection between them (cable or telephone line).

The main functions of a local network:

providing users with general access to folders, files and other resources;
file sharing;
restrictions, if you want access to shared folders and directories;
setting access rights;
archiving of the required information and data storage on the file server;
the ability to securely encrypt your data on the file server, which provides a high level of protection against external attacks.

Meetings, meetings and gatherings can be simplified by deploying some specialized applications on your network.

The work of group planning takes place according to the following principle: the personal schedule of each employee is entered into the plan-calendar. Plans are stored in the central database. When a meeting is scheduled, it is enough to enter the names of the invited employees and specify the time of the meeting. If all the invited employees are free, the scheduler will notify you about it. Otherwise, the scheduler will notify and indicate who is creating the conflict. And depending on the strategy, the program will offer the first time interval when the people you need will be free. By specifying a time in the scheduler, you can send an invitation by e-mail, specifying the time and date of the meeting.

Switching equipment

Installation of large and small-scale cable networks would be impossible without connecting elements.
In addition, for the organization of a serious SCS, switching structures and equipment are simply necessary – they are a mandatory structural link.
That is why this article is dedicated – within its framework, we will consider the main types of large connecting functional nodes.

Elements of SCS: switching equipment

Switching cabinets are one of the most frequently used structures today (if we are talking about a large-scale SCS), which are installed in server rooms, in laboratories, or on testing grounds. These SKS elements are distinguished by the highest degree of reliability – they hide the wiring when it is necessary to protect the cables from moisture, fire, accidental physical damage, aggressive environments.

Racks – without them, the construction of the SCS would also be impossible – they differ from switch cabinets in their openness. They do not have doors, so these designs are mounted in rooms with an environment favorable for installing equipment on their shelves. It must be said that racks can still be installed in laboratories with conditions harmful to cables, but only in cases where it is impossible to install cabinets.

Shelves are structural elements on which working equipment is directly installed. They can be both retractable and stationary, with different widths (the most often used models are 15, 17, 19 inches). As you yourself understand, switching shelves are installed both in cabinets and in racks.

Holders are SCS connecting elements designed to fix the wiring. Their importance cannot be overestimated: when installing cable networks, most communication lines need to be fixed so that they do not wobble. Holders just help to do this – without them, connecting all the wires of the same cabinet would not be so rational.

Organizers are the simplest, but at the same time important switching elements. In fact, each such structure is a ring that is mounted in the wall or on the ceiling. A cable is pulled through it – practice shows that if a sufficient number of holders are installed (at a distance of 0.4-0.5 m), the communication line is fixed more than well, without any sagging.

All these switching structures and elements of the SCS prove their relevance every day – they are the basis on which the connection and construction of the SCS is carried out.