Basic Characteristics

• Basic characteristics of a computer network

  • Fault tolerance
  • Scalability
  • Quality of service
  • Security
• Fault tolerance


  The ability of the computer network to continue working despite failures and ensure no loss of service
• Fault tolerance example


  • Computer and web server communicating through switches and routers, with a router failure causing the network to reroute the communication
• Scalability


  The ability to grow based on needs and maintain good performance even after growth
• Scalable network example

  • The internet, which can handle many new devices connecting and communicating
• Quality of service (QoS)


  The ability to set priorities and manage data traffic to reduce data loss and delays
• QoS example


  • Router prioritizing real-time voice over IP traffic over email traffic to minimize delays
• Security


  The ability to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or forgery, and provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Security example

  • Protecting confidential information sent over the internet from potential attackers
• Computer networks should possess the basic characteristics of fault tolerance, scalability, quality of service, and security