This is the cornerstone of our digital interactions-in this fast-paced world, we call it networking, which connects computers, devices, and people around the globe. From the simplest email to ultra-high-definition video streaming through the internet, networking guarantees the smooth flow, secure processing, and efficiency in and out of information. Let us know what networking is, how it works, why it is so important, and how IT LINK, an IT servers and IT hardware installation company, makes and keeps companies well connected and thriving through robust networking solutions.

What is Networking?

Networking refers to connecting computers and other devices to share resources, data, and services in simple words. It is essentially a system of interconnected devices such as computers, servers, routers, and switches communicating with each other through various mediums like cables or wireless signals for the transfer of data. While it might exist on a small scale such as within a home or office through local area networks, WANs can go up to an entire city, country, or continent.

Types of Networks

LAN

LAN refers to a network that is limited to a small area, say a house, a building, or an office. LAN is used to share resources such as printers, files, and internet access within a local space. One of the most common LAN technologies is Ethernet.

WAN

WANs cover larger geographical areas and are used to enable networks to be connected over larger distances, such as between cities or countries. The largest and most recognizable WAN is the Internet, which interconnects billions of devices around the world.

MAN

MANs are medium area networks, covering more geographical area than LANs and less than WANs. It interconnects network in one city or in a single large campus.

PAN

PAN is a small network of personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. PAN technologies include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

VPN

A Virtual Private Network is a safe network that gives users the means of connecting a private network over the internet with secure communication and safe storage of confidential data. It is usually used in companies and by persons in accessing private networks from remote locations without compromising data.

Networking Devices

There are a variety of crucial devices that help networking take place, each with its role in controlling the flow of data:

Router

This is a device that connects the data packet between differing networks. It simply ensures information reaches its destination. Routers are the same components that connect LANs to the internet.

Switch

A device used within a LAN connecting multiple devices. It makes for efficient transfer of data between them, ensuring that data is addressed to its intended recipient only and only this recipient receives it.

Modem

A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates digital signals, changing them from one form to the other so they can travel over telephone lines or cable systems. The modem is essential for internet access. Firewall A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on preset security rules. It prevents unauthorized access and also protects against malicious threats to a network.

How Networking Works

Networking depends on a sequence of protocols that are sets of rules governing the exchange of data. Probably the most widely known and used protocol suite is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) . A protocol suite is composed of layers that ensure that data is packaged, transmitted, and reassembled in the proper order at its destination. How data travels across a network:

Data Encapsulation

Any device that wishes to send information breaks the data up into packets and attaches a header with destination and source addresses.

Routing and Switching

The packets are passed through routers and switches from one device to another until they reach their final destination.

Error Checking and Recovery

TCP protocols look for errors and missing packets. If some packets are not received or are corrupt, then the sender sends them again.

Reassembly

The packets reassemble the pieces at the destination computer in the right order so it makes sense to the application receiving the pieces