Compared with communication networks, what is the most essential function of computer networks?

Compared with communication networks, the most essential function of computer networks is "resource sharing". Computer networks have two basic functions: data communication and resource sharing, of which the latter is the most essential function. Resource sharing refers to the simultaneous use of hardware and software resources by multiple computers in a network or multiple users on the same computer.

The operating environment of this tutorial: Windows 7 system, Dell G3 computer.

Computer network refers to the connection of multiple computers and their external devices with independent functions in different geographical locations through communication lines. Under the management and coordination of network operating systems, network management software and network communication protocols , a computer system that realizes resource sharing and information transfer.

Computer networks have two basic functions, data communication and resource sharing, of which the latter is the most essential function.

In a network, multiple computers or multiple users on the same computer use hardware and software resources at the same time. Usually, the resources required by multiple users at the same time always exceed the number of actual physical resources of the system. However, using logical (or virtual) resource allocation to realize resource sharing can better handle this contradiction and improve the efficiency of computer use. But it must be coordinated and managed by the operating system to avoid chaos.

The resource sharing functions of computer networks include: hardware resource sharing, software resource sharing, data resource sharing and communication channel sharing.

• #Sharing of hardware resources can improve equipment utilization and avoid repeated investment in equipment, such as using a computer network to establish a network printer.

• The sharing of software resources and data resources can make full use of existing information resources, reduce labor in the software development process, and avoid repeated construction of large databases.

• The sharing of communication channel resources means that the same channel can be used by multiple users at the same time.

  In actual work, it is often encountered that multiple users (computers or terminals) want to connect to a host at the same time. If each user uses an independent channel to connect to the host, it often consumes a lot of communication line resources. Therefore, channel sharing should be used whenever possible. Channel sharing can improve the utilization of channel resources.

Two basic principles of resource sharing:

1. The law of large numbers:

The law of large numbers says: : If the number of users is large, and their resource usage requirements are sudden and random, then when all users are considered as a whole, the user's overall resource usage requirements will become quite smooth and stable. And it's also predictable.

2. Economies of scale:

Economies of scale mean: when the resources and the number of users in a system increase proportionally at the same time, within a certain range, the larger the system becomes , the system is more economical.

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