Computer networks enable sharing and central management of resources, applications and information across a variety of devices, in a secure and scalable manner. They are an integral part of modern-day life and offer benefits like improved collaboration and communication, reduced costs, improved security, and increased accessibility to data and resources.
Networks are constructed from two fundamental elements: nodes and links. Nodes are network devices like printers, computers and file servers that communicate with each other using a set of standardized rules known as communication protocols. Links connect these nodes via wired or optical connections. A laptop that is connected to a local network by using Wi-Fi can be described as a node and a link. Network switches and routers serve as traffic cops, directing data packets to their intended destination in the most efficient way.
A wide area network (WAN) is a network of greater scale that utilizes bridges and gateways in order to connect multiple LANs. A WAN, unlike a local area network (LAN), is connected to global communication networks as well as the https://boardroomco.net/is-teamviewer-safe-for-business/ Internet. For example, students in Florida can teleconference with peers in Tokyo on their workstations thanks to a WAN and a bridge that connects them.
Computer networks can help streamline work processes and create a collaborative and engaging workplace. Employees can save documents to a server that is regularly backed-up, instead of sending documents back and forth which could result in lost documents. Users can also access the standard versions of customer or employee manuals on the network, which guarantees accuracy and consistency.