Fundamentals of Computer Networks

A computer network is a system of interconnected computing devices (nodes) like computers, servers, and smartphones that exchange data and share resources using wired (cables) or wireless (Wi-Fi) technologies. These networks follow standardized rules, or protocols, to enable communication, data sharing, and resource access, such as printing or internet access. They are categorized by geographical size, are PAN (Personal Area Network) for short-range device connections, LAN (Local Area Network) for homes/offices, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) for cities/campuses, and WAN (Wide Area Network) for large regions or the world, with the internet being the largest WAN.