computer networking
Computer networking is the practice of interconnecting multiple computers and devices to facilitate communication and data exchange. This allows users to easily share information and resources. Here’s a brief overview:
Basics of Computer Networking:
- Nodes: These are the devices connected to a network, such as computers, routers, and switches.
- Links: The connections between nodes, which can be wired like cables or wireless.
- Protocols: Rules and standards that govern data transmission, like TCP/IP and HTTP.
- IP Address: A unique identifier for each device on a network, facilitating communication.
- DNS: Translates domain names into IP addresses for routing internet traffic.
- Firewall: Monitors and controls network traffic to protect against unauthorized access.
Types of Networks:
- LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small geographic area like a home or office.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Spans over a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs.
- Cloud Networks: Hosted on cloud services, they can be scaled as per demand.
Network Topologies:
- Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree: Different arrangements of network nodes and connections.
Goals of Networking:
- Resource Sharing: Allows sharing of resources like printers and storage among multiple users.
- Reliability: In case of a device failure, others can take over its functions.
- Performance: Measured by factors like transmit time and response time.
- Security: Protects data from unauthorized access and ensures data integrity.
