Computer networks allow the sharing and centralized management of resources, information and applications across a variety of devices in an scalable, secure manner. They are an essential part of modern-day life and offer benefits like improved communication and collaboration, reduced costs, enhanced security, and greater accessibility to information and resources.
Networks are built up of two primary elements, links and nodes. Nodes are networked devices like printers, computers, and file servers. They can communicate with each other using a set of rules known as the communication protocol. Links connect these nodes with optical or wired connections. A laptop that communicates with a local network via Wi-Fi can be described as a node (DTE) and an link (DCE). Network switches and routers act as traffic police, directing data packets to https://boardroomco.net/ their destination efficiently.
A wide-area network (WAN) uses gateways and bridges to connect various local area networks. Unlike a LAN, a WAN is connected to the Internet and other global networks of communication. For instance, students in Florida can conference with friends in Tokyo at their workstations due to a WAN and a bridge that connects them.
Computer networks simplify processes and promote collaboration and engagement in the workplace. For instance employees can save files to servers that are backed up on a regular basis, instead of sending documents back and forth, which can result in the loss of files. They can also access the most current versions of employee or customer manuals via the network. This ensures consistency and accuracy.
