Computer networking

1. Computer Networking
A computer network is a group of computers that use a set of common communication
protocols over digital interconnections for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by
the network nodes.
Applications:
A computer network comprises two or more computers that are connected—either by cables (wired) or
WiFi (wireless)—with the purpose of transmitting, exchanging, or sharing data and resources. You build
a computer network using hardware and software.
Computer networks enable communication for every business, entertainment, and research purpose. The
internet, online search, email, audio and video sharing, online commerce, live-streaming, and social
networks all exist because of computer networks.
Component of Networking:
Hardware: Computers need networking hardware in order to connect to each other. Routers, hubs,
server, switches and bridges are all pieces of networking equipment that can perform slightly different
tasks.
Routers: A router is a device that communicates between the internet and the devices in your home that
connect to the internet. As its name implies, it “routes” traffic between the devices and the internet.
Hubs: When referring to a network, a hub is the most basic networking device that connects multiple
computers or other network devices together.
Server: A server is a computer that provides data to other computers. It may serve data to systems on a
local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) over the Internet.
Switches: A network switch connects devices within a network and forwards data packets to and from
those devices.
Bridges: A network bridge is a device that divides a network into segments. Each segment represent a
separate collision domain, so the number of collisions on the network is reduced. Each collision domain
has its own separate bandwidth, so a bridge also improves the network performance.
Software: Networking software is a foundational element for any network. It helps administrators deploy,
manage, and monitor a network. Traditional networks are made up of specialized hardware, such as
routers and switches, that bundle the networking software into the solution. Software-defined networking
(SDN) separates that software from the hardware, making it easier to innovate and adapt the network to
quickly meet changing network demands.
Cables and Connectors: Network cables are often applied for connecting one network device to another,
which cover twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, power line, etc. The first three network cable types are
categories that are most often referred to.