Computer networking is the process of linking two or more computing devices together to share data, resources, and information. The most common type of computer networking is a local area network (LAN), which connects computers in a single physical location, such as an office building, home, or school. A LAN can be used to share files, printers, Internet access, and other resources. In a LAN, each computer is connected to a central device, such as a router or switch, which manages the traffic on the network.
A wide area network (WAN) is a type of computer network that connects computers in multiple locations, such as across cities or states. WANs are typically used to connect corporate offices or other large organizations. The Internet is the largest WAN in existence, connecting computers all over the world.
Computer networking can be used to connect computers within an organization or between organizations. For example, a company with multiple locations can use computer networking to share data and resources between its offices. In addition, computer networking can be used to connect people and organizations, such as for email, video conferencing, and file sharing.
Computer networking is a critical part of business, education, and government today. Without computer networks, we would not be able to communicate or collaborate as effectively as we do. Networks allow us to share information and resources, which can help us to work more efficiently and improve our productivity.
Local area networks (LANs) are the most common type of computer network. A LAN is a collection of computers and other devices that are connected in a single location, such as an office building, home, or school. The devices on a LAN can be connected by cables or wirelessly.
A LAN can be used to share data, printers, Internet access, and other resources. In a LAN, each computer is connected to a central device, such as a router or switch, which manages the traffic on the network.
Network Traffic
Network traffic is the amount of data that is transferred across a network. This can be in the form of packets, messages, or any other unit of data. Network traffic can be measured in terms of volume or in terms of speed.
Volume is the total amount of data that is transferred, while speed is the rate at which it is transferred. Network traffic can be classified into two types: unicast and broadcast.
Unicast is where data is sent from one source to one destination. Broadcast is where data is sent from one source to all destinations. Multicast is where data is sent from one source to a group of destinations.
Network traffic can also be classified into two types: real-time and non-real-time. Real-time traffic is where data is transferred as it is generated, such as voice or video. Non-real-time traffic is where data can be stored and transferred at a later time, such as email or file transfer.
Internet Connection
An internet connection is required to access the network. A local area network (LAN) can be connected to the internet in several ways, including a wired or wireless connection. In order to share files, printers, and other resources between devices on the LAN, each device must be connected to the same network.
A wired connection is typically used to connect a router to a modem. The router then creates a Wi-Fi network that allows devices to connect wirelessly. A wireless connection can also be used to directly connect a computer or other device to the internet. However, this type of connection is not as stable as a wired connection and is more susceptible to interference.
In order to connect to the internet, each device on the LAN must have an IP address. The IP address is used to identify the device on the network and allows data to be routed to the correct device. Each device on the network also has a unique MAC address that is used to identify the device on the network.
Single Internet Connection
A single internet connection is a great way to connect all of your devices in your home or office. This setup allows you to share a single internet connection among all of your devices, which can be helpful if you have a limited data plan or if you just want to save on your monthly bill. To set up a single internet connection, you will need to purchase a router and a modem. You can then connect your devices to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Once everything is connected, you will be able to access the internet from all of your devices.
Metropolitan Area Networks
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a city or a large campus. A MAN typically uses fiber-optic cables to connect users and devices to the network.
Compared to a local area network (LAN), a MAN can cover a much larger area. This makes it suitable for applications such as streaming high-definition video or sharing large files between computers.
A MAN is often used by businesses and organizations to connect multiple locations within a city. For example, a hospital may use a MAN to connect its main campus with its satellite clinics.
Like any other network, a MAN can be either wired or wireless. A wireless MAN (WMAN) uses radio waves to connect users and devices to the network.
While a MAN can cover a large area, it is not as large as a wide area network (WAN). A WAN spans multiple cities or even countries. The Internet is an example of a global WAN.
Connected Devices
Devices that are connected to a local area network can be computers, smartphones, printers, or any other type of electronic device that can be connected to a network. Devices that are connected to a LAN can communicate with each other and share resources, such as files, printers, and internet access. In order for devices to connect to a LAN, they must be connected to the same network.
Ethernet
Ethernet is a type of cable that is used to connect devices to a LAN. Ethernet cables can be either wired or wireless. Wired Ethernet uses physical cables to connect devices, while wireless Ethernet uses radio waves to connect devices.
Ethernet cables come in different sizes, depending on the speed of the connection. The most common type of Ethernet cable is Category 5 (Cat5), which can support speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a LAN without using cables. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to connect devices to the network.
Wi-Fi is the most common type of wireless connection and is used in homes, offices, and public places such as coffee shops and libraries. Wi-Fi is typically faster than a cellular connection and can support speeds up to 1 Gbps.