Potential Shortcomings of Connected Computing Systems: What Aspect Not Advantaged by Connecting Multiple Computers?
In the modern digital age, networking computers offers numerous benefits such as resource sharing and communication. However, as more devices are connected, a potential downside becomes apparent: the decrease in individual network speeds.
This trade-off is particularly noticeable in Ethernet networks, where an increase in connected computers results in a competition for the available bandwidth. This competition can lead to a reduction in the network speed per device, as each device shares the same bandwidth [1][3].
The network's topology and the number of nodes can further complicate matters. Excessive devices or improper network design can cause traffic congestion, slowing down data transfer rates and increasing delays [4].
Bandwidth limitations also play a significant role. The amount of data transmitted across a network within a specific timeframe is restricted by factors such as physical infrastructure capacity, Internet Service Provider throttling, network protocol overhead, Quality of Service settings, and distance between network nodes [1].
Network congestion occurs when data traffic exceeds the network's capacity, resulting in slower transmission speeds and increased latency. Common causes of congestion include simultaneous large file downloads, heavy streaming traffic during peak usage hours, inadequate network infrastructure, broadcast storms from misconfigured network equipment, and memory buffer overflows in network switches or routers [1][4].
The management of these interconnected systems presents significant operational challenges. Specialized knowledge in multiple technical domains is required to maintain consistent configurations, implement complex routing protocols, coordinate software updates, manage user permissions, and troubleshoot connectivity issues between different platforms [1][4].
Moreover, technical dependencies add to the complexity. Protocol compatibility requirements between different vendors, version control across multiple network components, authentication system integration with various services, backup synchronization across distributed systems, and firewall rule management for multiple network segments are all factors that increase complexity [1][4].
As the network size grows, the system administration overhead increases exponentially. For instance, small networks (5-10 devices) require 4 hours of weekly maintenance, medium networks (11-50 devices) require 15 hours, and large networks (51+ devices) require 30+ hours [1].
It's important to note that while copper cable has a maximum bandwidth of 1 Gbps, fiber optic offers a significantly higher maximum bandwidth of 100 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6 boasts a maximum bandwidth of 9.6 Gbps, and 5G has a maximum bandwidth of 20 Gbps [1].
In conclusion, while networking computers provides numerous benefits, it's crucial to understand the potential impact on network speed. As more devices are connected, individual network speeds may decrease due to shared bandwidth and potential traffic congestion. Network administrators must be prepared to manage these challenges to maintain efficient and effective digital environments.
In the scope of data-and-cloud-computing, the increase in devices connected to a network can lead to a competition for the available bandwidth, causing streaming on computers to potentially become sluggish due to the reduction in network speed per device. To mitigate this issue, the implementation of technology such as improved network infrastructure or advanced routing protocols can help manage network congestion and maintain optimal speeds for users.
