Computer networks allow the sharing and centralized management of resources, information and applications across multiple devices in a scalable, secure fashion. Computer networks are a vital part of our modern society and provide many benefits, including improved collaboration and communication as well as lower expenses, enhanced security and accessibility to information and resources.
Networks are constructed from two essential elements, links and nodes. Nodes are devices that are networked, such as computers, printers and file servers. They are able to communicate by using a standard set of rules known as the communication protocol. Links connect these nodes using optical or wired connections. A laptop that connects to a local network by a fantastic read using Wi-Fi is a node and is a link. Network switches and routers serve as traffic police, directing data packets to their intended destination in the most efficient manner.
A wide-area network (WAN) uses gateways and bridges to connect various local area networks. A WAN unlike a local area network (LAN) is connected to global communication networks and the Internet. For instance, students in Florida can conference with friends in Tokyo at their workstations due to a WAN and bridge that connects them.
Computer networks can streamline workflows and encourage collaboration and engagement in the workplace. Employees can save documents to a server which is regularly backed up instead of sending documents back-and-forth which could result in lost files. They can also access the standard versions of employee or customer manuals via the network. This ensures consistency and accuracy.