What is Computer Networking?

Introduction

Most people imagine the Internet as a mystical cloud that they can reach to purchase online, watch apparently unlimited amounts of movies and television shows, and visit their favourite websites. However, there isn’t any magic at all. There is no enigmatic force behind the provision of an internet resource. The Internet just connects computers all around the world, connecting us all like a massive spider web. A network is what we refer to as the connection of computers.

What is Networking?

The act of bringing many computers or devices together to share resources and communicate with one another is referred to as networking. This can involve connecting computers over a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) link to the internet. The protocols and tools used for communication, including Ethernet and TCP/IP, are also included in networking.

Examples of Networking

• Employees can share files, printers, and other resources thanks to a network of computers called a local area network (LAN) in an office.
• A wireless home network that connects a smartphone, printer, and computer to share an internet connection and enable wireless printing.
• A wide area network (WAN) enables a company’s various branch offices to share resources and interact with one another.
• Millions of devices and computers are worldwide connected by the internet.
• Without the use of physical connections, devices can connect to a network using wireless networks like Wi-Fi.
• Users can access resources and services through cloud computing networks on the internet.
• Mobile devices may communicate via text and audio thanks to cellular networks, which link them to the internet.

Types of Networks

There are several types of networks, including:

1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN connects devices within a small geographic area, such as an office, or building.
2.  Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN connects devices over a larger geographic area, such as a city or country

3. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN connects devices within a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or building.

4. Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN connects devices over a larger geographic area, such as a city or country.

5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN connects devices within a metropolitan area, such as a city.

4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN connects devices using wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi.

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN allows users to securely connect to a network remotely over the internet.

6. Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN connects storage devices, such as disk arrays and tape libraries, to servers.

7. Cloud Network: Cloud network refers to the network infrastructure and resources that are provided over the internet as a service.

8. Internet of Things (IoT) Network: IoT networks connect devices and objects equipped with sensors, actuators, and communication capabilities to enable data collection and control.

These are some of the common types of networks, there could be other types too that are specific to certain industries or use cases.