About Computer Networks

Computer networks consist of computers that share resources located on or provided by network nodes. Communications between computers take place over digital connections using standard protocols. A collection of telecommunication network technologies connects these devices, including hardwired, optical, and radio-frequency technologies, which can be arranged in numerous network topologies. An organization's computer network can consist of personal computers, servers, networking hardware, or other general-purpose or specialized hosts. Network addresses identify nodes, and hostnames can be assigned to each host as well. After the initial assignment, hostnames don't change much. They serve as a way to label nodes. Communication protocols, such as the Internet Protocol, use network addresses to locate and identify nodes. Computing networks are classified according to various factors, including the transmission medium, bandwidth, communications protocols used to maintain traffic flows, network size, topology, traffic control mechanism, and organizational intent.

What is Computer Networks?

A network topology is the layout, pattern, or organizational hierarchy of the connections between hosts on a network instead of their physical or geographical location. Diagrams describing networks are typically arranged based on their topology. Throughput can be affected by network topology, but reliability is often more critical. A single failure in many technologies, such as bus or star networks, can cause the entire network to fail. There is an inverse relationship between the number of interconnections in a network and its strength, but installing a network is more expensive. As the name implies, an overlay network is a virtual network built over another network. A virtual system of links that runs on top of the Internet organizes them into nodes. Virtual or logical links connect the nodes of the overlay network. Throughout the underlying network, each link corresponds to a path that may cross many physical links. Overlay networks may (and often do) have different topologies from those of the underlying ones. Peer-to-peer networks, for example, are often overlay networks. Since the invention of networking, computer networks have existed simultaneously with telephone networks. There were no data networks, so there have always been overlaying networks.

Eligibility and Career in Computer Networks

Under the vast umbrella of Computer Networking, various jobs are available in the market. Studying computer networking can lead to career opportunities such as network engineers, network architects, computer security specialists, and network and computer system administrators. Database administrators, web designers, webmasters, and telecommunications specialists are some of the professionals who work in computer networking. Some short term courses may not lead to a degree, but they can give you access to courses leading to one. In addition to on-the-job training, training courses and IT certifications are an excellent way to enhance skills. The courses make learning programming basics, operating systems, information security, and network administration. Depending on the organization, they may require specific certifications or training courses. CompTIA, VMware, Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, and Red Hat all offer network engineering qualifications.