What is networking?

Networking refers to the practice of  connecting computers and other devices to share resources and information. Networks can range from simple connections between two computers to complex systems that link million of devices globally . The primary goal of networking is to enable communication , data sharing, and resource allocation among interconnected devices.

Types of networks

Networks can be categorisesd based on their size,scope and purpose. the main types of networks are:

  1. Personal Area Network (PAN): Covers a small area,  typically within a single room . Example of this is bluetooth devices for instance a smartphone connecting to earphones.
  2. Local Area Network (LAN): Covers a small area but is larger than a PAN such as a entire house, office. Example of this is a network within a office that connects computers, printers and servers.
  3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a city , large campus. An example of this is a cable tv network , telephone network,  a city's public wi-fi network.
  4. Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers a large area , potentially worldwide. example of this is the internet , which connects networks across the world.
  5. Virtual Private Network (VPN): Provides a secure connection over a public network . Example of this is a remote worker connecting to their company's internal network securely over the internet.

Key Networking models

I wasn't going to add the models to this blog however i will briefly explain why we use the network models and what they are and go more indepth on each layer in another blog. The OSI model is like a instruction manual that breaks down the networking process into seven steps / layers.  Each layer has a specific job, and together they make sure data can travel smoothly from one device to another. The TCP/IP model is more streamlined and simplifies the OSI model into four steps.This model is designed to reflect how data transmission works on the internet and other networks.