Computer Network

A Computer Network is a network that connects computer systems (to enable data communication and resource sharing).

• AKA: Computing Network.
• Context:
  • It can transmit Digital Data through network protocols.
  • It can share Computing Resource through network interfaces.
  • It can enable Network Communication through data packets.
  • It can manage Network Traffic through routing protocols.
  • ...
  • It can often provide File Sharing through network storage.
  • It can often support Remote Access through network services.
  • It can often facilitate Network Security through access control.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Small Network to being a Large Network, depending on its network scale.
  • It can range from being a Simple Network to being a Complex Network, depending on its network topology.
  • ...
  • It can integrate with Network Devices for network connectivity.
  • It can connect to Network Services for distributed computing.
  • It can support Network Applications for user interaction.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Network Types, such as:
    • Local Area Networks, such as:
      • Home Network for residential computing.
      • Office Network for business computing.
    • Wide Area Networks, such as:
      • Enterprise WAN for distributed organization.
      • Internet for global connectivity.
  • Network Architectures, such as:
    • Client-Server Networks, such as:
      • Web Server Network for website hosting.
      • Email Server Network for message service.
    • Peer-to-Peer Networks, such as:
      • File Sharing Network for content distribution.
      • Blockchain Network for distributed ledger.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Social Network, which connects human users rather than computer systems.
  • Neural Network, which connects artificial neurons rather than computer devices.
  • Electrical Network, which transmits electrical power rather than digital data.
• See: Network Protocol, Network Topology, Network Device, Network Service, Network Security.

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References

2009

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network
  • A computer network is a group of interconnected computers. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics.

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