The Benefits of Computer Networks

Computer networks enable sharing and central management of applications, resources and data across multiple devices, in a secure and scalable manner. Computer networks are a fundamental part of our society today and offer many benefits, such as improved collaboration and communication and also lower expenses, enhanced security and access to information and resources.

Links and nodes are two main elements of the network. Nodes are devices that are networked, such as computers, printers, and file servers. They are able to communicate by using a standard set of rules called communication protocol. Links connect these nodes using optical or wired connections. A laptop that connects to a network in the local area using Wi-Fi can be described as a node and is a link. Routers and switches are traffic cops who direct data packets in the most efficient way to get them to their destination.

A wide-area network (WAN) uses gateways and bridges to connect several local area networks. As opposed to LANs one can connect a WAN to the Internet and other networks for global communication. For Bonuses example, students in Florida can teleconference with peers in Tokyo on their workstations thanks to a WAN as well as a bridge that connects them.

Computer networks help to streamline work processes and help create a more active and collaborative work environment. Employees can save documents to a server that is regularly backed up, instead of emailing documents back and forth which could result in lost files. They can also access standard versions of employee or customer manuals via the network. This ensures consistency and accuracy.