In an information system, networking, usually referred to as computer networking, is the process of moving and sharing data between nodes across a common media. Networking includes managing, maintaining, and running the network’s software, hardware, and policies in addition to designing, building, and using the network.
Through computer networking, devices and endpoints can be linked to one another on a smaller scale, like a private wide area network (WAN) or the internet, or to a larger network, like a local area network (LAN). For service providers, companies, and customers around the world to exchange resources, utilize or supply services, and communicate, this is a necessary function. Everything from text messaging and phone calls to streaming video and the internet of things (IoT) is made possible via networking.
Who uses networking?
There exists a clear correlation between the complexity of a network and the level of competence needed to operate it. For instance, a big business would need dedicated network administrators to manage thousands of network nodes and strict security specifications, including end-to-end encryption.
On the other hand, a brief instruction manual can help a layperson set up and troubleshoot a home Wi-Fi network. Computer networking is exemplified by both instances.
Wired vs. wireless networking
There are two main categories to consider when examining a computer network’s physical layer:
A physical medium must be used for transport between nodes in wired networking. In both households and businesses, copper-based Ethernet cable is frequently utilized for digital communications because of its affordability and dependability. As an alternative, optical fiber is used to transfer data more quickly and over longer distances, but it comes with a number of drawbacks, such as more expensive and delicate parts.
Wireless networking allows devices to be connected to a network without the need for cables by using radio waves to transmit data over the air. The most popular and extensively used type of wireless networking is called wireless local area networks, or WLANs. Microwave, satellite, cellphone, and Bluetooth are some alternatives.
Types of computer networks
Networks can also be categorized based on the methods used in their design and construction, such as overlay networks and software-defined networking (SDN). Additionally, networking can be divided into groups based on scale and environment, including campus, WAN, data center, LAN, and storage area networks (SANs).
