Computer networks allow sharing and centralized management of information, resources and applications across multiple devices in a scalable and secure fashion. Computer networks are an integral component of our society today and offer many benefits, including improved communication and collaboration and lower costs, enhanced safety and improved access to information and resources.
Links and nodes are the two major elements of a network. Nodes are devices that are networked, such as printers, computers, and file servers. They can communicate using a standard set rules known as communication protocol. Links connect these network nodes through optical or wired connections. A laptop that can connect to a local network via Wi-Fi can be described as a node (DTE) and the link (DCE). The routers and switches function as traffic cops who direct data packets in the most efficient manner to get them to their destination.
A wide-area network (WAN) makes use of bridges and gateways to connect a variety of local area networks. Unlike a LAN the WAN is connected to the Internet and other global communications networks. For instance, students from Florida can conference with friends in Tokyo using their computers thanks to a WAN as well as a bridge that connects them.
Computer networks can help streamline work processes and foster a more active and collaborative work environment. Employees can save documents to a server which is regularly backed-up, instead of sending documents back and forth and resulting in lost documents. They can also access standard versions of employee and manuals for customers via the network. This ensures consistency and accuracy.
