Networked Computing System

A Networked Computing System is a computing system that can be accessed over a communications network.

Context:
- It can (typically) rely on Network Protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, or HTTPS to facilitate communication between systems.
- It can (typically) involve various hardware and software components, including Servers, Network Interfaces, Routers, and Switches.
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- It can range from being an On-Site Networked Computing System to being a Cloud-based Networked Computing System.
- It can range from being an Ancillary Networked Computing System to being a Mission-Critical Networked Computing System.
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- It can include Client-Server Architectures, where multiple client devices access a central server over the network.
- It can support Remote Access for users or other systems in different locations.
- It can be vulnerable to Network Security Threats such as DDOS Attacks, Man-in-the-Middle Attacks, or Unauthorized Access.
- It can be scaled horizontally by adding more nodes to distribute the workload across multiple systems, as in Distributed Computing environments.
- It can be used for High Availability-Requiring Systems.
- It can enable the use of Cloud-Based Services like SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS, where computing resources are accessed over the internet.
- It can play a critical role in modern-day infrastructures, including Smart Cities, IoT Networks, and Global Communication Networks.
- It can experience Networked-System Performance Errors.
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Example(s):
- Networked Applications, such as: Email Services, Web Services, or File-Sharing Systems.
- a Internet-based Service (such as a web-based service like Google Drive) which allows users to store, synchronize, and share files across multiple devices and with other users, utilizing cloud storage technology and relying on HTTPS for secure data transmission.
- a Cloud Computing Platform (such as a Infrastructure-as-a-Service like Amazon Web Services) which provides scalable computing resources over the internet, allowing businesses to run applications, store data, and manage IT infrastructure without maintaining physical hardware.
- a Social Media Platform (such as a social networking service like Facebook) which enables users to create profiles, connect with friends, share content, and interact through various features like messaging and groups, utilizing complex distributed systems to handle millions of concurrent users.
- a Video Streaming Service (such as a media streaming platform like Netflix) which delivers on-demand video content to users across various devices, employing adaptive bitrate streaming and content delivery networks to ensure smooth playback regardless of network conditions.
- a Online Collaboration Tool (such as a project management software like Trello) which facilitates team collaboration through features like task management, file sharing, and real-time communication, often integrating with other productivity tools and services.
- a E-commerce Platform (such as an online marketplace like Amazon) which enables businesses and individuals to buy and sell products online, incorporating features like product listings, shopping carts, secure payment processing, and order tracking.
- a Cloud-based Email Service (such as a webmail provider like Gmail) which offers email functionality accessible through web browsers or mobile apps, providing features like spam filtering, inbox organization, and integration with other productivity tools.
- a Corporate Intranet System (such as a private enterprise network like SharePoint) which allows employees to access shared resources, collaborate on documents, and communicate securely from different locations within the same organization, often utilizing VPN technology for remote access and Active Directory for user authentication.
- a Distributed Database System (such as a NoSQL database like Apache Cassandra) which stores data across multiple networked servers to ensure redundancy, scalability, and fast access, using techniques like sharding and replication to distribute and synchronize data across nodes.
- a Video Conferencing Service (such as a real-time communication platform like Zoom) which enables multiple users to connect for audio and video meetings over the internet, utilizing WebRTC technology and adaptive bitrate streaming to optimize call quality based on network conditions.
- a Cloud-based Application (such as a Software-as-a-Service like Salesforce) which is hosted on platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, allowing users to access software functionality through web browsers without local installation, often featuring automatic updates and scalable resources.
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Counter-Example(s):
- a Standalone Computing System that operates without any network connectivity, such as a single-user desktop that is not connected to a network.
- an Offline Processing Unit used for specialized tasks like data encryption that requires isolated operation from a network.
- a Local-Only System, such as a local network printer that does not interface with an external network.
See: Remote Computer, Web Server; Distributed Computing System, Networked-System Performance Error, Client-Server Architecture, Network Topology.