Computer networks allow the sharing and central management of resources, information and applications across a variety of devices in a flexible, secure fashion. They are an integral part of modern-day life and offer benefits such as improved collaboration and communication, reduced costs, improved security, and greater accessibility to data and resources.
Networks are built from two key elements, links and nodes. Nodes are network devices like printers, computers, and servers that communicate with one another using a set of standards called communication protocols. Links connect these nodes to each other via wired, optical or wireless connections. A laptop that is connected to a local network by using Wi-Fi is a node and links. Routers and switches are traffic police that direct data packets in the most efficient manner to their destination.
A wide area network (WAN) is a larger-scale network which uses bridges and gateways to connect multiple networks. A WAN is different from a local area network (LAN) is connected to global communication networks as well as the Internet. For instance, students in Florida can conference with friends in Tokyo on their laptops due to a WAN and bridge that connects them.
Computer networks help streamline processes and foster a more interactive and productive workplace. Employees can save their documents to a server that is regularly backed up instead of sending documents back-and-forth which could lead to lost files. Users can also access standard versions of user or employee manuals via the network, which guarantees accuracy and consistency.