Advantages And Disadvantages Of Computer Network (& More) Explained!

10 mins read

Imagine you're sitting in your favorite coffee shop, sipping on a latte and browsing the internet on your laptop. Have you ever wondered how you're able to connect to the World Wide Web and access all the information at your fingertips? Well, that's all thanks to computer networks.

Computer networks have revolutionized the way we connect and communicate. They provide numerous advantages, such as resource sharing and improved productivity, but also come with challenges, like security risks. And it’s high time we better understood the concept and the advantages and disadvantages of computer network.

What Is A Computer Network?

First thing first, let's understand what is a computer network?

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, and routers, that are linked together to share resources and communicate with each other. It's like a digital highway that enables us to transmit, receive and share data in the form of different file formats - ultimately, ensuring that data flows seamlessly between devices.

Confused about how data flow is controlled in computer networks? Get a detailed explanation here.

Let's see the different types of computer networks.

The four main types of computer networks with their coverage areas are given below:

Read here to understand the difference between the common computer networks in detail.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Computer Network

Here’s a snapshot of the most common advantages and disadvantages of computer network:

We will now study each of these advantages and disadvantages in detail in the sections below.

Advantages Of Computer Network

A network is very useful for connection and communication purposes. Not just that, it also has many other advantages. Below are some of the prominent ones:

1. Ease Of Accessibility

Computer networks provide easy accessibility to resources, information, and online services from anywhere. Users can work remotely, access educational resources, and retrieve personal files. Communication and collaboration are seamless through email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. Resources can be shared and distributed, reducing costs and enabling efficient utilization. Modern computer networks are easy to explore. So, even if you are a kid or a person new to technology, you'll find it easy to connect.

2. Flexibility

Here, flexibility means that different people will be able to explore different things as per their requirements. For this purpose, computer networks provide you with a wide array of choices to share a particular piece of information. For example, e-mail or messaging apps like WhatsApp.

3. Convenient Resource Sharing

The main aim of a computer network is to enable sharing of resources among its users. You can use resources such as printers, scanners and photocopy machines that can be shared across multiple users. This resource sharing is important for big companies as they can use one single common network to connect with their employees. 

4. Connectivity

Computer networks improve connectivity irrespective of a person's location. The pandemic brought this advantage to the forefront, with people regularly using video call apps like Zoom or Google Documents to connect with their friends and colleagues. 

5. Security

Computer networks provide security through authorization. Authorization is done via user ID and password. So, it ensures that when we log in, we are only able to do it when there is a perfect match between our details and the details stored in the database. 

6. Great Storage Capacity

Organizations have an abundance of data that needs to be stored. For that purpose, they are required to store them in a central server. A central server is a remote server that is accessible to every employee. So, if in case one loses the data, others have it. 

 7. Reduced Cost

Cost is one of the crucial factors that one needs to consider while evaluating the pros and cons of a particular technology. In networking, a central server is used that enables companies to store files in one place, thus reducing file storage expenses.

8. Enhanced Collaboration

With a computer network, individuals can easily share files, documents, and information with each other, making it easier to work together on projects and tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Additionally, computer networks often include communication tools such as email and instant messaging, allowing for real-time communication and collaboration regardless of physical location. Overall, computer networks facilitate seamless collaboration and teamwork.

Disadvantages Of Computer Networks

While computer networks aid our work, they also come with their own set of disadvantages such as:

1. Lack Of Robustness

Computer networks rely on the main server called the central server. If the central server malfunctions or there is an issue in the central server, then the entire network will stop functioning. So, this is a major disadvantage due to dependency on a single server.

2. Spread Of Computer Virus

As computers in a network are interconnected, there is a high probability that if one of the computers is affected by the virus, others too can get affected. This spread can actually damage the entire system. Also, if the central server gets corrupted, then it's quite dangerous as the network depends on the central server.

3. Costly To Set-up And Maintain

While computer networks save costs in terms of resource sharing and data storage, they also incur considerable implementation costs. Moreover, maintaining computer networks is a costly and time-consuming affair.

4. Lack Of Productivity

Since a network has a lot of advantages and applications, it certainly results in the simultaneous use of many services that cause distraction. Thus, due to employees focusing on a myriad of tasks, productivity issues are quite common. 

5. Health Issues

Computer network provides access to a gamut of services including entertainment, gaming, and movies. These result in making you addicted to the content and thus result in overuse of these services. This excessive screen time makes you feel lethargic and causes eye strain and body pain.

6. Lowers The Ability To Retain And Analyze Information

With computer networks storing vast amounts of data and processing basic requests in a fraction of the time, people are losing the ability to retain important information. Even processing basic information is a task, as individuals are becoming increasingly dependent on computer networks to do these tasks for them.

7. Unauthorized Access

When multiple devices are connected to a network, there is a greater potential for unauthorized access and data breaches. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure or gain access to sensitive information through one compromised device. This can lead to the theft of personal or confidential data, financial loss, and damage to the reputation of individuals or organizations. To mitigate this risk, network administrators must implement robust security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and regular software updates, to protect the network and its connected devices from cyber threats.

Applications Of Computer Network

Now that we’ve studied the key advantages and disadvantages of computer network, let’s take a look at some of the most common applications of a computer network:

Best Books For Computer Network

If you’re interested in studying more about computer networks, here are some books that you can refer to:

We hope this will help you in gaining insights into the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the pros of computer networks?

Computer networks offer several advantages. Firstly, they allow for easy and efficient communication between devices and users, enabling the sharing of resources such as files, printers, and internet connections. Secondly, computer networks facilitate collaboration and teamwork, as multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously. Additionally, networks provide increased data security through centralized control and monitoring. Furthermore, computer networks enable remote access, allowing users to connect to their work or personal files from anywhere in the world. Lastly, networks enable cost savings by allowing the sharing of expensive hardware and software licenses among multiple users.

Q. What are the cons of computer networks?

While computer networks offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One disadvantage is the potential for network downtime, which can disrupt productivity and cause inconvenience. Additionally, computer networks require regular maintenance and updates to ensure optimal performance and security, which can be time-consuming and costly. Another con is the potential for security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive data if proper security measures are not in place. Moreover, network congestion can occur when multiple users are accessing the network simultaneously, leading to slower speeds and reduced efficiency. Lastly, computer networks can be complex to set up and manage, requiring technical expertise and resources.

Q. Can computer networks improve productivity?

Yes, computer networks can significantly enhance productivity. By allowing for efficient communication and collaboration, networks enable faster and easier sharing of information and resources. This streamlines workflows and reduces the time spent on manual tasks such as transferring files or printing documents. Additionally, computer networks enable remote access, allowing employees to work from home or while traveling, further increasing productivity. Furthermore, networks facilitate the use of centralized databases and applications, eliminating the need for redundant data entry and ensuring data consistency. Overall, computer networks play a crucial role in boosting productivity in modern workplaces.

Q. Are computer networks secure?

Computer networks can be made secure through the implementation of various security measures. Some common security measures include firewalls, which act as a barrier between the internal network and external threats, and antivirus software, which helps detect and remove malicious software. Additionally, encryption can be used to protect data as it is transmitted over the network, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access or intercept sensitive information. Network administrators can also implement strong authentication protocols, such as two-factor authentication, to ensure that only authorized users can access the network. Regular security audits and updates to network infrastructure are also important to address any vulnerabilities and stay ahead of emerging threats. While no network can be completely immune to security breaches, implementing these measures can significantly enhance the security of computer networks.

Q. How is e-commerce an application of a computer network?

E-commerce is an application of a computer network because it relies on the Internet to facilitate online buying and selling. Through a computer network, e-commerce platforms connect buyers and sellers, allowing them to conduct transactions electronically. This network enables customers to browse products, make purchases, and complete transactions securely. Additionally, computer networks enable the transfer of data and information, such as order details and payment information, between the various parties involved in an e-commerce transaction.

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