Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Networking

We are hearing more about ‘Social Distancing’ these days. In order to promote social distance, remote work and online classes have become the latest trends for the past two years. Computer networks enable online meetings and file-sharing, which, in turn, make it possible to work from home. Let’s have a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of computer networking.

Top 10 Advantages of Computer Network

Computer networks are the reliable and fast ways to share data and resources within an organization. With this, your IT equipment and systems can run efficiently. Let’s check advantages and disadvantages of computer networking one-by-one. We’ve compiled the top 10 advantages of computer networking for you.

• Increased storage capacity: You will be able to access files and multimedia, such as music and images, which are stored remotely on another computer or network-attached storage.

• Higher information security: As a result of granting authorization to computers, computer networks can provide a sense of security. Most of the time, authorization is done using a user ID and password. Thus, it ensures that someone can only log in if their information matches details in the database.

• Easy sharing of files: The data you store on other devices can be shared with other users and accessed remotely if they are connected.

• Faster resources sharing: You can also save money by using networked resources like printers, scanners, copiers, etc. or by sharing software among multiple users.

• Enhanced data reliability: There is no question that the information contained in the central server is more reliable. It is also possible to access similar kinds of data by using another computer if the information on one PC happens to be lost for any reason. Thus, there are no disruptions in the office environment, leading to a smooth operation.

• Improved communication: Customers, suppliers and the staff can easily share information and contact one another via email, chat or calls made over the network.

• Better collaboration: Collaboration in the business world is made easier with the use of computers and a computer network. All these tasks can be performed comfortably, whether it’s connecting teams, arranging social gatherings, or acquiring personal responses.

• Higher connectivity: It allows individuals to stay connected no matter where they are. With the advent of video calling apps and Google documents, we can see live examples of how we can connect with our friends and colleagues in these testing times.

• Enhanced flexibility: Computer networks are flexible for several reasons. They provide users with the opportunity to explore anything they need to know.

• Reliability: Computer networking ensures information backup for uninterrupted functioning. So, you need not worry about device and equipment crash anymore.

Suggested Read: What are Computer Networking Devices and Functions

Top 10 Disadvantages of Computer Network

The following are some of the main disadvantages of Computer Networks:

• Network Setup Costs: Setting up the network requires hardware like routers, hubs and switches and cabling that can cost significantly. The cost further varies based on the number of systems to be added to the network.

• Issues with Independent Usage: Because everything is centralized, the network lacks independence. As a result, individual users cannot use the computer as they wish.

• Malware Infection: Viruses or Malware can propagate easily between the connected computers in a network. It is quite likely that malware will spread to the remaining computers if one of the systems gets infected. However, this can be prevented by running regular malware scans.

• Impact on Productivity: Computer networks have many applications and advantages, which allow simultaneous use of many services. However, multitasking impacts productivity overall, as your employees end up managing multiple tasks in one go.

• Expert Assistance is Required: Networks must be monitored continuously to ensure their performance and functionality. Therefore, if you want to maintain your computer network, you need a team of experts.

• Security of Computer Networks is a Concern: From viruses to hackers, there are many ways in which computer networks can be disrupted. DDoS attacks, viruses, data corruption, and internet outages are just a few examples of disruptions you might see on a day to day basis. Regardless of whether a network is running online or offline, it will not be 100% secure.

• Health Issues: Since computer networks provide access to a variety of content such as entertainment, games, and movies, this leads to an addictive dependence on the services and overuse. The excessive amount of screen time can cause fatigue, eye strain, and body pain as well as make you feel lethargic.

• Poor Internet Accessibility: Despite the fact that most computers nowadays offer free access, some countries still have connectivity issues. Connectivity challenges are particularly severe in countries that are developing. It is impossible to guarantee a truly global network until these challenges are overcome.

• Not robust enough: In case a systems’ central linking server or bridging device fails, or if its principal server detaches, the whole network is affected. However, you can use a large system as a document server to resolve this issue.

• Light Policing Usage Leads to Negativity: With uninterrupted internet connectivity, employees often tend to waste their time in gaming or browsing through non-work-related sites.

Suggested Read: Best Paid & Open Source Network Monitoring Tools

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of computer networking, you can use it judiciously for your organization. While there are many advantages of a network, you need to overcome some of its limitations like negative usage, security concerns, etc.

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