Computer networks refer to a collection of devices that are connected together to share information and resources. These devices can include computers, servers, printers, routers, and switches, among others. The purpose of computer networks is to facilitate communication and data exchange between different devices.
Computer networks can be classified based on their geographical scope, topology, and communication protocols. Geographical scope refers to the range of the network, which can be either a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The topology of a network refers to the way devices are connected, which can be in a star, mesh, bus, or ring topology.
Communication protocols refer to the rules that govern how data is transmitted across the network. Some common protocols used in computer networks include Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), and HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Computer networks play a vital role in modern society, facilitating communication and data exchange across the world. They are used in a wide range of applications, including email, social networking, video conferencing, online gaming, and e-commerce, among others.
