What do networks consist of

It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers , modern networks may include laptops , tablets , smartphones , televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics.

A local area network is limited to a specific area, such as a home, office, or campus. A home network may have a single router that offers both wired and wireless connections. For example, a computer may connect to the router via Ethernet , while smartphones and tablets connect to the router via Wi-Fi. All devices connected to the router share the same network and often the same Internet connection.

A larger network, such as the network of an educational institution, may be comprised of many switches , hubs , and Ethernet cables. It may also include multiple wireless access points and wireless repeaters that provide wireless access to the network. While this type of network is much more complex than a home network, it is still considered a LAN since it is limited to a specific location.

A wide area network is not limited to a single area, but spans multiple locations. Network protocols ensure smooth communication between the different components in a network. They control data exchange and determine how communication is established and terminated as well as which data is transmitted. There are usually multiple network protocols that each perform a specific subtask and are hierarchically organized into layers.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the transmitter and receiver can be correctly identified. Network addresses are used for this purpose. In computer networks, each computer typically has an IP address, similar to a telephone number, that uniquely identifies the computer. This internal IP address is used only for communication between the participants in the local network. For communication on the Internet, external IP addresses are used that are automatically assigned by the Internet provider.

A distinction is also made between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. IPv4 addresses used to be standard, but only a total of around 4. Due to the massive expansion of the Internet, additional IP addresses were urgently needed. Therefore, the new IPv6 standard was developed, allowing up to 3. This should be sufficient for the future.

Networks are usually divided into different network types according to transmission type and range , that is, depending on how or how far the data is transmitted. Networks are classified by transmission type as either wireless or wired. Wired networks such as DSL are also known as broadband Internet. Even in residential and work spaces, practical wireless networking is widespread. In the following article, we explain the biggest security risks and show you how to make The more complex a network is, the more vulnerable it is to attacks.

In times when customers and partners have access to internal network structures via the internet, and can control various applications via web interfaces, IT employees are encountering more and more problems. Large companies, in particular, prefer to use penetration testing to check how well their security concept works. Dividing a corporate network into smaller subnets has some advantages in terms of speed, security, and logical organization.

However, many people find it difficult to set up. Binary computational operations and long series of numbers are frightening, but the principle itself is not so complicated.

We explain what subnetting is, how to calculate a subnetmask, and what you need subnets for, so that With a real estate website, you can set yourself apart from the competition Below are the disadvantages of a network.

One of the first computer networks to use packet switching , ARPANET , was developed in the mids and is the direct predecessor of the modern Internet. Internet , LAN , Network terms. Home Dictionary N - Definitions. Examples of network devices. Network topologies and types of networks. Advantages of a network. Disadvantages of a network. What was the first computer network? What is the difference between public and private networks? Related pages. Note All public networks are less secure than your home network.

Related pages How do I set up a home network?