Computer networks connect devices and computers to share resources, information and services. They can be built on wired or wireless connections, and can be configured in a variety of network topologies. Networks are vital to business today. They allow us to communicate with colleagues, collaborate and work more efficiently. They also help with data security and access.
Computer networking is a vast area that encompasses the development of, maintenance, and design of communication networks. It is a mixture of computer science and electrical engineering.
The Internet is the most well-known computer network that allows billions of users to connect and share the same resources simultaneously. The network employs a switching model to direct data traffic over an almost unlimited number of possible connections and routes. Each packet contains control information and data from the user. The control information contains source and destination network addresses, error detection codes and sequencing information. The data portion of a package contains the payload.
In a typical network a central server stores information and controls access for users to vital resources like printers, photocopiers and files. The server is protected by firewalls and a system of multifactor authentication to ensure that only authorized users are able to access the network. The centralization of data on servers allows administrators and security policy enforcers to conduct regular backups. Additionally, it allows employees to access corporate apps and services regardless of location, for instance video-calling and document sharing software.