A network is a collection of interconnected devices designed to exchange data and share resources reliably. Every time you send an email, stream a video, or access a shared file, a complex system of hardware and software works in the background. Standardized communication methods, known as protocols, govern how information travels from a source to its destination, ensuring data integrity and proper delivery. The physical infrastructure handles the transmission, while processes like switching and routing determine the precise path each packet of data takes through the vast web of interconnected systems.

Understanding how these networks operate is fundamental to designing, managing, and troubleshooting the connectivity solutions that power our digital world. Modern networks can range from a simple setup in a small office with just a few devices to a global infrastructure spanning multiple continents. Despite this difference in scale, the same core principles of communication, addressing, and data flow apply, providing a consistent foundation for building reliable and scalable connectivity.

Read the full article; What is a Network and Why is it Important?