Networking Basics - Key Concepts in Computer Networking

Networking is the practice of linking computing devices together with hardware and software that supports data communications across these devices.

See the concepts of computer networking presented in a sequence of visual illustrations designed to teach networking basics by example.

The quiz presents a series of questions and answers designed to expand your knowledge of basic computer networking. Even if you get a question wrong, or need to guess, the explanations provided with answer will teach you what you need to know.

Computer networks allow you to share files with friends, family, coworkers and customers. Learn about the different methods for file sharing including Windows, FTP, P2P and Web based.

Do you run a simple home network with just a few PCs, manage a business network with thousands of clients, or operate a Wi-Fi hotspot? Here our readers share descriptions of the size of their networks and what kinds of devices they are made of.

Computers use low-level software called an operating system to help people build and run their own programs. Operating system software runs not just on laptop computers but also on cell phones, network routers and other gadgets. An O/S normally provides basic networking support for Ethernet, Wi-Fi and sometimes Bluetooth and other wireless protocols.

The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing network resources, consider these alternatives.

LAN and WAN are two common types of networks but many others exist.

One way to classify computer networks is by their topology. Common network topologies include the bus, star, and ring.

Numerous published books are available for free download on the Internet. However, not very many quality, free titles are available on basic computer networking topics.

A router is a small hardware device that joins multiple networks together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks, and the Internet.

Protocols serve as a language of communication among network devices. Network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP provide a foundation that much of the Internet is built on. Find out more about these protocols and how they work.

In computer networking, a server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other computers over a local network or the Internet. Common types of network servers include Web, proxy and FTP servers.

TCP/IP provides connection-oriented communication between network devices. TCP/IP is very commonly used both on the Internet and in home computer networks.

A network firewall guards a computer against unauthorized network access. Firewalls are one of the essential elements of a safe home or business network.

Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet is reliable and inexpensive, the leading standard worldwide for building wired LANs.

A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in important ways from both routers and hubs.

Network addresses give computers unique identities they can use to communicate with each other. Specifically, IP addresses and MAC addresses are used on most home and business networks.

Many books exist dedicated to home networking, specific network technologies like wireless or TCP/IP, or various academic networking topics. This one covers the overall field of computer networking.