Computer Networking

Computer networking is a series of points or nodes (computers and peripherals) interconnected by communication paths.

A computer network allows users to share computing resources electronically, including expensive hardware such as printers, application programs, backup medium and most importantly, the information the users need to do their jobs. 

Prior to the development of networking technology, individual computers were isolated from each other and limited in their own range of applications. By linking these individual computers, their usefulness and productivity have been enhanced enormously.

Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain sub networks.

Networks can also be characterized in terms of spatial distance as LAN (Local Area Networks), MAN (Metropolitan Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Network).

LAN (Local Area Networks)
LAN is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and confined to a fairly small area such as a building or even a single floor of a building.

LAN basics and Setting up a LAN

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MAN (Metropolitan Area Networks)
MAN is a network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large LAN (Local Area Networks) but smaller than the area covered by a WAN (Wide Area Network).

The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network which may then also offer efficient connection to a WAN. It is also used to mean the interconnection of several LANs by bridging them with backbone lines. The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.

Examples of Metropolitan Area Networks of various sizes can be found in the metropolitan areas of London, England; Paris, France; and New York, USA. Large universities also sometimes use the term to describe their networks. 

WAN (Wide Area Networks)
WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area and often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies.

The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a LAN (Local Area Networks). An intermediate form of network in terms of geography is a MAN (Metropolitan Area Networks).

Internet

A global network connecting single computer users and LAN users through their local MANs and WANs by a backbone.

Intranet & Extranet

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Backbone

At the local level, a backbone is a set of lines that connect LAN (local area networks) to a WAN (wide area network).

On the Internet, a backbone is a set of paths that connect local or regional networks to long-distance interconnection. The connection points are known as network nodes.

To look at how backbone network connections like - Click here

Network Topology

The most common topology or general configurations of networks include the bus, star, and token ring topologies.

Nodes: connect point for computers, mass storage devices, Modems, Fax machines, Bridges, Routers, Switches, Gateways etc.