Networking Basics

What is (Computer) Networking?

Networking is the practice of linking computing devices together with hardware and software that supports data communications across these devices.

Network File Sharing 101

Computer networks allow you to share files with friends, family, coworkers and customers. Learn about the different methods for file sharing including Windows, FTP, P2P and Web based.

Common Misconceptions About Computer Networks

Certain facts about networking tend to be misunderstood. This article describes some of the most common misconceptions about computer networks.

Notable Events in The History of Computer Networks

The field of computer networking has been shaped by some key events and technological developments over many decades. How many of these did you experience first hand?

How Big Is Your Network?

Do you run a simple home network with just a few PCs, manage a business network with thousands of clients, or operate a Wi-Fi hotspot? Here our readers share descriptions of the size of their networks and what kinds of devices they are made of.

Operating Systems and Computer Networks

Computers use low-level software called an operating system to help people build and run their own programs. Operating system software runs not just on laptop computers but also on cell phones, network routers and other gadgets. An O/S normally provides basic networking support for Ethernet, Wi-Fi and sometimes Bluetooth and other wireless protocols.

Connecting Two Computers

The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing network resources, consider these alternatives.

Introduction to Area Networks and Network Types

LAN and WAN are two common types of networks but many others exist.

Basic Network Topologies

One way to classify computer networks is by their topology. Common network topologies include the bus, star, and ring.

Free Computer Networking Books

Numerous published books are available for free download on the Internet. However, not very many quality, free titles are available on basic computer networking topics.

Network Routers

A router is a small hardware device that joins multiple networks together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks, and the Internet.

What Is a Network Protocol?

Protocols serve as a language of communication among network devices. Network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP provide a foundation that much of the Internet is built on. Find out more about these protocols and how they work.

What Is a Server?

In computer networking, a server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other computers over a local network or the Internet. Common types of network servers include Web, proxy and FTP servers.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

TCP/IP provides connection-oriented communication between network devices. TCP/IP is very commonly used both on the Internet and in home computer networks.

Firewalls

A network firewall guards a computer against unauthorized network access. Firewalls are one of the essential elements of a safe home or business network.

Networking Basics: Ethernet

Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet is reliable and inexpensive, the leading standard worldwide for building wired LANs.

Networking Basics: Switch

A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in important ways from both routers and hubs.

Network Addresses

Network addresses give computers unique identities they can use to communicate with each other. Specifically, IP addresses and MAC addresses are used on most home and business networks