A computer network is a system of connected devices that allow sharing of information and resources. It enables computers to communicate with each other and access shared information like files, emails, and printers.
Types of computer networks:
- Local area network (LAN): Connects devices in a limited area like a home, office, or school.
- Wide area network (WAN): Connects offices, data centers, and cloud applications across a large area like a city or country.
- Ring topology: A network configuration where devices are connected in a closed loop.
- Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN): A virtual WAN architecture that offers more flexible connectivity services.
How networks work
- Devices in a computer network are connected using physical wires like fiber optics, or wirelessly.
- Each device in a computer network has a network address and a hostname.
- Network devices include modems, routers, PCs, servers, firewalls, switches, and gateways.
- A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
What computer networking enables:
- Email, messaging, file sharing, video calls, and streaming
- Business communication
