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Exploring the Functions of Networking

Introduction
At the most basic level, a “network” is defined as a group of systems interconnected to share resources. You can
find examples of such systems and resources in a social network to share work experience or personal events or a
computer network to share file storage, printer access, or internet connectivity.

A network connects computers, mobile phones, peripherals, and even IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Switches,
routers, and wireless access points (APs) are the essential networking basics. Through them, devices connected to
your network can communicate with one another and with other networks, such as the Internet, which is a global
system of interconnected computer networks.

Networks carry data in many types of environments, including homes, small businesses, and large enterprises.
Large enterprise networks may have several locations that need to communicate with each other. You can use a
network in your home office to communicate via the Internet to locate information, place orders for merchandise,
and send messages to friends. You can also have a small office that is set up with a network that connects other
computers and printers in the office. Similarly, you can work in a large enterprise with many computers, printers,
storage devices, and servers running applications that are used to communicate, store, and process information
from many departments over large geographic areas.

A network of computers and other components that are located relatively close together in a limited area is often
referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN). Every LAN has specific components, including hardware,
interconnections, and software. Wide Area Network (WAN) communication occurs between geographically
separated areas and it’s typically provided by different telecommunication providers using various technologies
using different media such as fiber, copper, cable, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), or wireless links. In
enterprise internetworks, WANs connect the main office, branches, Small Office Home Office (SOHO), and mobile
users.

As someone who is exploring the functions of networking, there are some important skills that you will build upon:

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• Explain the functions, characteristics, and common components of a network.

• Read a network diagram, including comparing and contrasting the logical and physical topologies.
• Describe the impact of user applications on the network.

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