Computer Networking

Networking

The practice of connecting computers and other devices to share resources and information. It enables communication and data exchange between devices across different locations.

Nodes

Any active electronic device that can send, receive, or forward information within a network, such as computers, routers, or switches.

Links

The connections that facilitate data transfer between nodes in a network, enabling communication and resource sharing.

Intermediate nodes

Perform a forwarding function

End system nodes

Send and receive data traffic, also referred to as hosts

Server

A computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network.

Client

A computer or system that accesses resources, data, services, or programs from a server over a network.

Client-server Network

Nodes, such as PCs, laptops, and smartphones, act mostly as clients. The servers are more powerful computers. Application services and resources are centrally provisioned, managed, and secured.

Peer-to-peer Network

A distributed network where each node can act as both a client and a server, allowing direct sharing of resources without a central server. Also referred to as a workgroup.

Appliances

A computer with an operating system and software designed to perform a particular network role. Examples of these roles include the switches, routers, and wireless access points that forward data, the firewalls and intrusion detection systems that enforce security rules, and the load balancers and proxies that improve network performance.

Application

A software that provides services, tools, or functionality to users over a network, typically running on servers and interacting with clients. Allow the network to do useful work, such as sharing files or allowing employees to send email.

Functions

The roles or activities performed by network devices or applications to support communication and data exchange, enhancing overall system capabilities. Networks can be configured with additional properties to perform different functions.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building, allowing for high-speed data transfer and resource sharing. In a LAN, all nodes and segments are directly connected with cables or short-range wireless technologies.

Home/residential Network

With an Internet router and a few computers, plus mobile devices, gaming consoles, and printers.

Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network

A business-oriented network possibly using a centralized server in addition to client devices and printers, but often still using a single Internet router/switch/access point to provide connectivity.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Network

A network supporting dozens of users. Such networks would use structured cabling and multiple switches and routers to provide connectivity.

Enterprise LAN

A larger network with hundreds or thousands of servers and clients. Such networks would require multiple enterprise-class switch and router appliances to maintain performance levels.

Datacenter

A network that hosts only servers and storage, not end user client devices.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network covering a large geographical area, used to connect multiple LANs and other networks, often via leased circuits.

Network Topology

The physical or logical arrangement of connected devices in a network.

Point to point link

Where two nodes have a dedicated connection to one another.

Star Topology

Each endpoint node is connected to a central forwarding appliance, such as a switch or router.

Mesh Topology

Requires that each device has a point to point link with every other device on the network.