Network Topology Overview

A computer network is how computers, servers, printers, and users share information and communicate with one another. The public Internet is a computer network allowing individuals to share information, send email, and communicate in real time via VoIP, instant message (IM chat), or store-and-forward messaging such as email. Networks interconnect network-attachable devices. A network-attachable device (sometimes simply known as a node) can physically connect to the network and has an assigned IP host address. The following are examples of network-attachable devices:

  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Mobile devices and tablets
  • Servers (application, web, email, network-attached storage, and so on)
  • LAN switches
  • Routers

Devices can ...

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