computer network

See also: Communication | Protocol | Internet | File sharing | Node

AKA: Net

A combination of programming, hardware and software interaction with users that creates data communications to connect computers to exchange information. Networks are a good way to share data between places seperated by great distance, eg the internet, NASA's Deep Space Network, etc.

Good performing networks scale well, are reliable, robust and secure. Some networks have lag, latency, disconnections or even downtime. Networks usually exist to distribute or broadcast something.

Larger networks like electrical grids, or the telephone network, require maintainance and administration to remain robust. Networks usually require some sort of hardware setup or connection to another computer, eg ISP. Some networks have a backbone and need a login password for authentication.

There are many types of computer networks and protocols which control data flow. Most are based on a hierarchy of nodes or peers, which are processed according to a set of rules. There are also a number of theoretical laws regarding networks including 's Law">Metcalfe's Law. A network can be self-seeding, ie, they can be used to upgrade or bootstrap themselves.

Network Types

1. Peer-To-Peer
2. LAN/WAN/NAN - Local, Wide, and Neighborhood Area Network(s)
3. VNC - Virtual Network Connection
4. VPN - Virtual Private Network

Home Networking

This type of network provides allow applications such as;

1. Playing multi-player games
2. Sharing internet connections (bandwidth)
3. Transfering files, sharing printers, backup data, etc

Connecting multiple computers at home allows for shared internet connections and file sharing between computers. The setup process can be difficult for newbies but, once functional, can dramatically add value to a users computer experience.

1. DIY Home Networking Guides and Tutorials

Wireless Networking

Wireless networks have grown substainally over the last few years.

1. Bluetooth
2. WiFi or 802.11
3. Ultra Wideband - in development / Fat Pipe
4. WAVEsec

Hardware

1. Hub
2. Network Interface Card - (NIC)
3. Router
4. Switch

Protocols

1. DHCP
2. Internet Protocol
3. TCP/IP
4. IP Address - Internet Protocol Address
5. Static IP
6. Dynamic IP

1. MAC Address
2. PPP - Point to Point Protocol
3. PPTP
4. PPPOE

Related Topics

1. Eavesdropping
2. Ethernet
3. Firewall
4. Gateway
5. Hive
6. Load Balancing
7. NAT - Network Address Translation
8. Net Split
9. Network Intrusion Detection System
10. Proxy
11. QoS Packet Scheduler
12. Root
13. SneakerNet
14. Sniff
15. Stream
16. Subnet and Subnet Mask
17. Throughput
18. Traffic Analysis Attack
19. Traffic Shaping

This article is based on a public domain infoAnarchy article: Network

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