What Is Computer Networking & How It Functions?

Computer networking basically means interconnected computing devices capable of exchanging information, data packets, and sharing resources with each other within the network. The computing devices can be your desktop, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, and server.

What is computer networking

To understand what computer networking is, you should know that these devices, when networked, function within a set system, following a set of technological rules. This is termed as a communication protocol.

The transmission of data packets and information functions according to the set communication protocol. You can set up your computer network using both physical technology or wireless technology.

How does a computer network work

A computer network works with the help of switches, routers, and access points forming the core of computer networks. To understand how a computer network works, you need to know the roles played by devices such as switches and routers.

The roles played by switches and routers are explained below:

Switches: This particular device, basically an access point, is used to connect and facilitate secure connections between computers, printers, servers, and other devices within homes or organizations.

Routers: A router is essentially a dispatcher. It connects networks to other networks and acts as a dispatcher for data packets and information. Being a smart technological device, routers analyze information and data packets. After analysis, they send the data across a network using the shortest and best possible routes. Routers also prevent intrusion from outside into your network.

Types of Computer Networks

There are different types of computer networks, categorized as follows:

LAN Network: Local Area Network or LAN is a type of network where you have several connected devices in a particular place, such as an office or home. You can set up a LAN network using both wired and wireless devices. This type of network can be:

• Small, like a home network with one user.

• Large, like an office with a large number of users and network connected to a large number of devices.

WAN Network: Unlike LAN, a Wide Area Network or WAN covers a large area. WAN connects multiple LANs. A WAN network is deployed by large companies, MNCs, and big sales corporations where connectivity is required for a large number of employees located in different parts of the geography, suppliers in multiple places, and data centers spread across a wide area.

Usually, a WAN network is established using:

• Leased lines.

• Cellular connections.

• Satellite links.

Enterprise Network: Large companies and organizations use this type of network, which can use both LANs and WANs across their enterprise or company locations.

This type of network is characterized by:

• Scalability.

• High availability of connections.

• Robustness.

Service Provider Network: It operates on WANs to provide connectivity to users, companies, MNCs, and all other organizations. Companies or agencies providing this type of networking facility also offer Internet access and cellular connectivity to their customers.

Salient Features of Modern Computer Networks

Modern computer networks are marked by certain special features. These features include:

• Virtual Operation: Today, a computer network can function virtually.
• Large Scale Integration: Integration on a large scale helps modern networking services connect physically distributed computer networks.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing conditions: Since many networks are software-defined, data packet traffic can be routed and controlled centrally using a digital interface.
• Providing data security: All networking solutions today come equipped with built-in security features like encryption and access control. To further secure the data, you can use additional antivirus software, firewalls, and antimalware.

Categories of Computer Network Architecture

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There are primarily two categories of computer network design:

Client-server architecture: When building a client-server architecture, nodes may be servers providing resources like memory, processing power, or data to client nodes. Such server nodes can also manage client node behavior and allow clients to communicate with each other without sharing resources to safeguard the network.

P2P architecture: P2P architecture stands for Peer-to-Peer architecture. Under P2P architecture, connected computers enjoy equal powers and rights. In such an architecture, no central server is present for coordination, as each device within a network can act as either a client or a server.

In Conclusion

In computer networking, network topology plays a crucial role. Network topology refers to the technical arrangement of nodes and links. The configuration of these nodes and links is done using network topologies, which include Bus topology, Ring topology, Star topology, and Mesh topology.

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