Computer networks connect computers and other devices to share resources, information and services. They can be wireless or wired and configured to work in a variety of network topologies. Networks are a must for businesses today and enable us to communicate, collaborate and work more effectively. They also aid in data security and accessibility.
Computer networking is a broad field that includes the conception as well as the architecture, creation, and maintenance of communication networks. It is a mixture of electrical engineering.
The most well-known computer network is the Internet that allows billions of people to connect and utilize the same resources simultaneously. The network employs a packet-switching model to direct data traffic through a near infinite number of paths and connections. Each packet contains control information and user information. The control information contains the source and destination network address and error detection codes and sequencing information. The payload is the data part of a byte.
In a typical business network there is a central server which stores data and manages user access to vital resources such as photocopiers, printers, files and printers. The server is protected by firewalls and a system of multifactor authentication to ensure that only authorized users have access to access the network. Centralizing information stored on servers allows administrators and security policy enforcers to conduct regular backups. Additionally, it allows employees to access corporate applications and services regardless of locations, such as video-calling software and document-sharing software.