Are you curious about how networks work? Whether it’s sharing data, printing from your computer, or video conferencing, networks are the backbone of modern technology. In this article, I’ll take you through the essentials:

What is a Network?
Network: a group of devices connected together to give a user a certain service.
For example: computer and printer.

Benefits of Network.

• Data Sharing: Share files and information seamlessly.
• Resource Sharing: Use shared devices like printers efficiently.
• Modern Technology: Power features like VOIP (Voice over IP) and Video conference

Network components.

• End Users: Devices like PC, printers, and phone
• Network devices: Tools like Hub, Switch, and Router
• Media: Connections through wires or wireless signals.

Network devices.

• NIC (Network Interface Card)
• Hub
• Switch
• Router

Let's talk about Network devices in detail:
NIC:

Every device in a network needs a NIC to connect. For multiple hosts, you’ll need more advanced devices like hubs and switches.

Hub:
A hub repeats the information from one host to all connected hosts. However, this creates a single collision domain, which can slow things down.

The hub will relay any information received from Host A to Host B and Host C.

Two problems arise:
• A hub repeats information received from one host to all the other hosts.
• A hub has a single collision domain.

Switch:

Switches solve hub-related issues by creating a separate collision domain for each connected device. This ensures smoother communication.

Router:
Routers interconnect networks and block unnecessary broadcasts, ensuring efficient data transmission across devices.

Type of communication.

• Unicast: One-to-one
• Broadcast: one-to-all
• Multicast: one-to-few

Functions of Router.

• Breaking up broadcasts.
• Switching packets between devices.
• Selecting the best path for data transmission.
• Filtering paths for secure connections.