Computer networks connect 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. Today, networks are vital to the business. They allow us to communicate more effectively, collaborate with others and perform more efficiently. They also aid in data security and accessibility.
Computer networking is an extensive area that encompasses the development and maintenance of communication networks. It is a mix of computer science and electrical engineering.
The most well-known computer network is the Internet which allows millions of people to connect to and use the same resources at the same time. The network employs a packet-switching model to channel data traffic through a near infinite number of pathways and connections. Each packet contains control information and user data. Control information includes source and destination network addresses as well as error detection codes and sequencing information. The payload is located in the data portion of a bytes.
In a typical network, central servers store data and manages access by users to critical resources like printers, photocopiers, as well as files. The server is secured by firewalls and a multifactor authentication to ensure that only authorized users have access to access the network. Keeping all the information centralized on servers also allows administrators to conduct regular backups of data and to enforce strict security guidelines for the network. Additionally, it permits employees to access corporate applications and services regardless of their location — for example video-calling and document sharing software.
