Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A computer network is a group of interconnected computers that share resources, data, and applications among devices. Networks can range from small connections between two offices to the vast reach of the internet encompassing global communication.
Related terms
Internet Protocol (IP) Address: A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing incoming and outgoing internet traffic in an efficient manner.
Security software or hardware that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules to protect networks from unauthorized access