/ˈnɛt.wɜːrk/
noun — "the web of connected devices exchanging data."
Network is a system of interconnected devices, nodes, or computers that communicate and share resources through wired or wireless links. Networks can range from small local setups, such as Local Area Networks (LAN), to expansive global structures like the Internet. They enable resource sharing, distributed computing, data transfer, and communication between users and devices.
Technically, a network consists of nodes (computers, servers, routers, switches), transmission media (copper, fiber, wireless), and communication protocols that define how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, and received. Common protocols include IP for addressing and routing, TCP/UDP for transport, and higher-level protocols like HTTP, FTP, and DNS for application services. Networks may be structured hierarchically with core, distribution, and access layers to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability.
Key characteristics of networks include:
- Connectivity: enables devices to exchange information over shared links.
- Scalability: can grow from a few nodes to millions of interconnected devices.
- Protocol-driven: communication depends on standardized rules for data exchange.
- Redundancy: alternative paths ensure reliability in case of failures.
- Resource sharing: facilitates access to files, applications, and hardware devices across multiple systems.
In practical workflows, engineers design networks to balance speed, security, and reliability. Routers and switches manage traffic flow, while firewalls and intrusion detection systems protect against unauthorized access. Wireless networks employ encryption protocols and authentication methods to secure communication. Enterprise and cloud networks often integrate LAN, Wide Area Networks (WAN), and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to provide secure, flexible connectivity for users and applications.
Conceptually, network is like a transportation system: devices are stations, data packets are vehicles, and protocols are traffic rules ensuring smooth and reliable movement across the system.
Intuition anchor: networks are the invisible highways of digital communication, connecting devices and enabling the flow of information across distances.