Computer networks enable the sharing and centralized management of information, resources and applications across a variety of devices in a flexible, secure fashion. They are an integral component of our lives today and offer advantages such as better communication and collaboration, reduced costs, increased security, and greater accessibility to data and resources.
Networks are built up of two key elements, nodes and links. Nodes are devices connected to networks like printers, computers, and file https://boardroomco.net/why-is-firefox-so-slow-and-how-to-deal-with-it/ servers. They communicate with each other using a set of rules referred to as communication protocol. Links connect these nodes using optical or wired connections. A laptop that is connected to a local network by using Wi-Fi is a “node” and links. The routers and switches function as traffic cops that direct data packets efficiently to get them to their destination.
A wide area network (WAN) is an even larger-scale network that makes use of bridges and gateways in order to connect several networks. A WAN unlike a local network (LAN), is connected to global communication networks as well as the Internet. For instance, students from Florida can conference with friends in Tokyo using their computers thanks to a WAN and bridge that connects them.
Computer networks can streamline processes and promote collaboration and participation in the workplace. Employees can save their documents to a server that is regularly backed up instead of sending documents back and forth and resulting in lost files. They also have access to the standard versions of customer or employee manuals on the network, which guarantees accuracy and consistency.