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Computer network

Definition

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers and servers, that are linked together to share resources and communicate with each other.

Analogy

Think of a computer network like a busy city with roads connecting different locations. Just like how people use roads to travel between places and exchange goods, devices in a computer network use connections to send data and share resources.

Related terms

Routers: Routers are networking devices that direct data packets between different networks. They act like traffic controllers in the city analogy, ensuring that data reaches its intended destination efficiently.

Switches: Switches are networking devices that connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). They can be compared to intersections in the city analogy, where different roads meet and allow traffic flow between them.

Firewalls: Firewalls are security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. They work like security checkpoints at the entrances of the city, inspecting data packets for potential threats before allowing them into the network.