Computer networks link computers and other devices to share resources, information and services. They can be wired or wireless and configured to work in a variety of network topologies. Networks are today essential for business. They enable us to communicate more efficiently, collaborate with others and perform more efficiently. They also assist with data security and access.
Computer networking is a broad subject that includes the conception as well as the architecture, creation, and maintenance of communication networks. It is a mixture of electrical and computer science. engineering.
The most famous computer network is the Internet which allows billions of people to connect and use the same resources simultaneously. The network uses a packet switching model to direct data traffic through an almost limitless number of connections and routes. Each packet contains both control information as well as information from the user. The control information includes the source and destination network address along with error detection codes and sequencing information. The payload is the data portion of a byte.
In a typical business network there is an central server that holds information and controls access to essential resources like photocopiers, printers, and files. The server is secured by firewalls and multifactor authentication systems to ensure that only authorized users of the network can access it. The centralization of information on servers makes it easier for administrators and network security policy enforcers to perform regular backups. Additionally, it lets employees to access corporate apps and services regardless of locations, such as, video-calling and document-sharing software.