A computer network is a telecommunications network that connects devices, called nodes, so they can share resources. Resources include webpages, printers, game servers, and cloud software. section 2.1
Core network ideas:
- A node is any connected device, including computers, phones, routers, switches, and firewalls. section 2.1
- A LAN covers a limited area such as an office; a WAN spans a larger geographical area, such as between cities. section 2.3
- Switches connect devices within a LAN, routers connect LANs to external networks, and firewalls inspect traffic against configured rules. section 2.3
- Clients access services, while servers provide them; a device can perform either role depending on the relationship. section 2.3
Everyday network example
A browser on a personal computer accesses a webpage stored on an internet server. The webpage is the shared resource, while the computer and server are nodes. section 2.1
