Networking - An Introduction

When you hear the term Network or Networking, what do you think of ?

• Connecting out to the internet?
• Connecting your laptop or computer to your home router (wired or wireless) ?
• Sending or receiving email?
• Sharing resources like printer etc, or 
• Sharing Files & Folders?

Here we are going to define a Network & how can we use a Network. We'll discuss some categories of Network in future based on how widespread they are, based on their topology. We'll also take a look at reference models to see how we can subcategories the pieces & parts that make a Network. :)

So, the question remains unanswered, what is actually a network?

Simply saying, "A computer network is a way of communication b/w two or more than two computers".A computer network can be wired or wireless.

Wikipedia define's a Computer/Data Network as following:

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. --Wikipedia

Now, that we know what is a network, we'll learn how a network is made. There are always different pieces & parts that make up a network, things like routers & switches , media that interconnect these components. We'll discuss all the basic & important components of a network in future. These components may be hardware(things like Router etc) or software's & programs. We'll go through all the important components of a computer network, & then we'll learn how to combine these components in order to form a working computer network.
Then there are different ways of categorizing a network. Networks can be categorized based on its topology, or how widely dispersed they are.

Purpose of a Network

Why do we make networks? There's always a purpose behind things we do. Some common usages of network that we've seen are:

• File Sharing
• Printer Sharing
• Surfing The Web
• Gaming
• Audio & Video Calls
• Database Access
• Transfer Files
• Remotely accessing a computer 

There's a lot more to it. But for now it's enough, i'm tired & sleepy, next we'll discuss Components Of A Network. Do not forget to subscribe & like Fb page or join me on Google+ community. Stay in touch, there's a lot more coming.

If you've any question or query lemme know. Just drop a comment ;)