Network Services : BCA-3 Sem (2024-25)

Network Services:

Network services are the basic reason we connect computers. Services are what a company wants to have performed or provided. Based on the services a company wants to utilize, the company purchases a specific program and operating system. Some of the most common services available on computer networks are given below: 

Network Services

Note: Here we use the College Network as an Example:

File Services:

• File services enable networked computers to share files with each other.
• File services include all network functions dealing with the storage, retrieval, or movement of data files. It enable users to read, write, and manage files and data. This includes moving files between computers and archiving files and data.
• Allows students and faculty to store, share, and access files over the college network. 
• Example: Students upload and download course materials, projects, and assignments from a shared network drive accessible from campus computers or their personal devices.

Printing Services

• After file services, printing is probably the second biggest incentive for installing a LAN. 
• Many users can share the same printers. This capability is especially useful with expensive devices such as colour printers and plotters.
• Printers can be located anywhere, not just next to a user's PC.
• Queue-based network printing is more efficient than direct printing because the workstation can begin to work again as soon as a job is queued to the network.
• Modern printing services enable users to send fax transmissions through the network to a fax server.
• Manages printing tasks across the college network, allowing users to send documents to networked printers. 
• Example: Students print their research papers or lecture notes to designated printers located in the library or computer labs after sending their documents from their laptops.

Communication/Messaging Services

• Messaging/communication services generally transfer information from one place to another. This communication of information can be broken down into three sub areas :

1. E-mail
2. Voice mail
3. Fax Services

• Facilitates real-time communication and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. 
• Example: Students use a messaging app or email to discuss group projects with classmates or communicate with professors about assignment details or office hours.

E-mail (Electronic Mail):

• Email system can service any size group from a local workgroup to a corporation to the world.
• By installing email routing devices, we can transfer mail smoothly and efficiently among several LANs.
• Email also can be routed to and received from the Internet.
• This enables users in dozens of countries throughout the world to exchange electronic messages.
• Enables sending and receiving electronic messages, crucial for official communications within the college community. 
• Example: Faculty members use college-provided email accounts to send announcements about class schedules, assignments, and other important information to students.

Voice Mail:

• Voice mail enables you to connect your computer to a telephone system and to incorporate telephone voice mail message with your PC (which is known as telephony).
• This often involves moving your voicemail message from the phone system to the LAN and enabling the computer network to distribute this information to different clients.
• Records and stores voice messages for faculty and staff who may not be available to answer calls. 
• Example: A professor receives voice messages from students leaving inquiries about course material or requesting appointments during non-office hours.

Fax Services:

• Fax Services enable you to send or receive faxes from your computer.
• This is similar to printing in that you can “print” the documents to a fax device.
• Fax service, however work on complicated features including the capability to send faxes to a central fax server and to receive faxes from the phone system to a central fax device.
• Sends and receives documents electronically over telephone lines, useful for transmitting official documents securely. 
• Example: The college admissions office uses fax services to receive and send application forms and supporting documents from prospective students.

Database Services

• Database servers are the most common type of application servers.
• With a client/server database, the client and server applications are designed to take advantage of the specialized capabilities of client and database systems.
• The client application manages data input from the user, generation of screen displays, some of the reporting, and data-retrieval requests sent to the database server.
• The database server manages the database files; adds, deletes, and modifies records in the database; queries the database and generates the results required by the client; and transmits results back to the client.
• The database server can service requests for multiple clients at the same time.
• Database services relieve clients of most of the responsibilities for managing data.
• Manages and provides access to databases containing critical information such as student records, course schedules, and institutional data. 
• Example: College administrators use a centralized database system to maintain student records, including grades, attendance, and personal information.

Security Services

• Security service is one of the most important elements involved in a network. When users share resources and data on a network, they should be able to control who can access the data and resource and who cannot. 
• Security services often deal with a user account database. This database of user often contains a list of names and passwords. Network administrator has to spend good amount of time to setting up network security.
• Protects network resources, data, and communications from unauthorized access and threats. 
• Example: The College employs firewalls, encryption, and access control measures to safeguard student records, financial data, and other sensitive information stored on its network.

Application Services

• Application services enable applications to leverage the computing power and specialized capabilities of other computers on a network.
• The Client PC sends the calculation request to the server ( which is having very High processing power). When the results become available, they are returned to the client.
• This way, only one computer in an organization needs to have the the expensive software license and processing power required to do huge processing, and all client PC can take benefit of it.
• Application services enable organizations to install servers that are specialized for specific function. Some of more common application servers are database servers, messaging / communication servers etc.
• Application servers are an effective strategy for making a network more scalable.
• Provides access to and manages network-based applications essential for academic and administrative functions.
• Example: Students use an online learning platform (LMS) to access course materials, participate in discussions, submit assignments, and take quizzes and exams.

Conclusion: network services are the essential components that enable computers to connect and communicate effectively. They facilitate file sharing, printing, communication, data management, security, and application functionality across networks. By leveraging these services, organizations can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and ensure secure access to information. Network services play a crucial role in modern business environments by enabling seamless collaboration and efficient resource utilization, ultimately supporting organizational growth and success.