What is a computer network?

A computer network is a set of computers and digital devices that can communicate with each other electronically for the purpose of sharing data, resources and services. Such devices may be, for example, computers, servers, smartphones or handhelds and peripherals: printers, routers and switches. A computer network is all about fast communication, smooth transmission of data and quick access to shared resources. In the digital era, most of what we do — from sending emails to watching YouTube videos and working in online documents — depends on computer networks. https://www.sevenmentor.com/ccna-classes-in-mumbai


A network of computers (which is a computer connected to another computer) enables the exchange of information between users. When you send a message on WhatsApp, visit a website or download a file, your device talks to another connected device via some network. Those networks can be small, such as a home Wi-Fi network, or huge, like the Internet, which links millions of computers around the world.

Computer networks operate by using both hardware and software. The hardware includes cables, routers, switches, modems, and NICs (Network Interface Cards), and the software has operating systems, networking protocols and security programs. Protocols such as TCP/IP encapsulate how information is relayed, received and deciphered to ensure all devices can talk over one another even when they may be made by different companies or work on different operating systems.