Network systems are communication infrastructures that enable the sharing of information and system resources among different users, facilitating data transfer from one point to another. These systems provide wired or wireless resource sharing and network communication. So, what exactly are Network Systems, and how do they work? Let's take a closer look in this article.

🌐 Network Systems

Network systems, also known as network systems, consist of two or more computer hardware components that come together in a wired or wireless manner to enable the sharing of hardware and software resources within a computer system.

Network systems fundamentally comprise the underlying infrastructure that connects these systems and the connectivity devices that sit on top of that infrastructure. The infrastructure systems contain passive components that facilitate the interconnection of computers, while electronic devices that enable communication are placed on the infrastructure layer.

📐 Classification by Distance (Network Types)

Network systems are also classified based on the geographical distance they cover. They are divided into four main types according to their connection range:

  • Local Area Networks (LAN): These networks connect end systems located within the same physical environment to boundary routers. This network structure, which connects geographically close networks, is commonly used in many companies and homes.
  • Wide Area Networks (WAN): Known as the most extensive network scope. It is a large physical or logical network that enables multiple devices to connect and communicate with each other. It is the broadest type of network, linking locally established networks together. Today, this is commonly referred to as the Internet. It forms a massive communication network by interconnecting various LANs.
  • Personal Area Networks (PAN): PANs are small networks created for connecting your personal digital devices. They are small-scale networks formed using technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This network type brings together personal items such as printers, wireless mice, phones, and computers.
  • Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN): This network type encompasses multiple LAN systems within its scope. It connects LANs to centralize them into a single network. This system can be established within large enterprises or institutions or can be included as part of a larger network structure.

🖥️ Network Components

To establish a network, we require network components consisting of software and hardware. These components include computers, communication media, communication devices, and peripheral devices.

Network components can be categorized as hardware (such as cables, hubs, switches, routers, and repeaters) and software (which includes network communication systems, communication protocols, and network applications).

In a network system, the computer is the device with the most significant role. Computers can function in multiple roles within a network, acting as a server (Web server, File server) or a client. A network can be established between a minimum of two computers. Ethernet was created to facilitate connections among multiple computers. Ethernet is a type of cabling and signaling method that connects systems within a local communication network. The Internet is the most significant example of the remarkable progress made in this technology.

🔒 Network Segmentation and Protocols

An important consideration when creating a network system is segmentation. Proper segmentation during the network creation phase ensures a healthier working system by providing network security and organization.

Segmentation consists of physical and logical classes:

  • Physical segmentation defines which devices will be connected directly or indirectly.
  • Logical segmentation involves considering issues such as the permissions granted to devices connected to the server, firewalls, and access rights.

Various standards have been developed to ensure network systems can communicate in an orderly manner. The most commonly used standards are the 7-layer OSI reference model, developed by the Open Systems Interconnection committee, and the TCP/IP reference model, developed by the U.S. Defense Department. We will examine these communication protocols more closely in our next article.