🖥️ Computer Networking

Introduction to Computer Networking

🤔 What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers, servers, and other devices (like printers or smartphones) that are linked together to share data and resources. The most well-known computer network is the Internet.

✅ Core Purpose of a Network

The primary goal of a network is to enable seamless communication and resource sharing. This includes:

• Resource Sharing: Sharing hardware like printers, scanners, and storage devices.
• Information Sharing: Easily accessing and sharing files and data across different computers.
• Communication: Using services like email, video conferencing (e.g., Google Meet), and instant messaging.
• Entertainment: Streaming videos, playing online games, and accessing social media.

🧩 Key Components of a Network

Every network is built with a few fundamental components:

• Nodes (or Hosts): These are the devices on the network, such as computers, servers, and printers.
• Communication Links/Media: The physical path that connects nodes. This can be wired (like Ethernet cables and fiber optic cables) or wireless (like Wi-Fi signals).
• Networking Devices: Hardware that manages the flow of data. Common examples include:
  • Switches: Connect devices within a local network (LAN).
  • Routers: Connect different networks together and direct traffic between them (e.g., connecting your home network to the Internet).

🗺️ Basic Types of Networks

Networks are often categorized by their size and geographical scope:

• LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area, like a single office building, school, or home. They are typically fast and managed privately.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Spans a large geographical area, such as a country or even the entire globe. The Internet is the largest WAN. WANs are used to connect multiple LANs.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network that covers a geographic area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city.
• PAN (Personal Area Network): A very small network, typically within a range of a few meters, used to connect personal devices like smartphones and tablets.
• CAN (Campus Area Network): Connects multiple LANs within a limited geographical area, such as a university campus or corporate park.