Computer networks link computers and other devices to share resources, information, and services. They can be wireless or wired and set up in various network topologies. Networks are crucial for business today, and help us communicate with colleagues, collaborate and work more effectively. They also assist with data security and access.
Computer networking is a broad field which covers the design as well as the architecture, creation, and maintenance of communication networks. It is a combination of computer science, electrical engineering, and telecommunications.
The most famous computer network is the Internet, which enables billions of users to connect and access the same resources simultaneously. The network employs a packet switching model to route data traffic through an almost infinite number of possible connections and routes. Each packet contains control information as well as user information. The control information contains address of the network that is used to connect to the source and destination along with error detection codes as well as sequencing information. The data portion of a package contains the payload.
In a typical business network there is central server that stores data and manages user access to critical resources like photocopiers, printers and files. The server is protected by firewalls and a multifactor authentication to ensure that only authorized users are able to access the network. Centralizing data on servers allows administrators and security policy enforcers to conduct regular backups. It also lets employees access corporate services and apps, regardless of where they are located including video-calling software or document-sharing.
