Computer networks link computers and other devices together to share information, resources and services. They can be wired or wireless and configured in different network topologies. Networks are vital to business today, and help us communicate with each other, collaborate and work effectively. They also assist with data security and accessibility.

Computer networking is a broad subject that includes the conception, architecture, creation and maintenance of communication networks. It is a mix of electrical engineering.

The most famous computer network is the Internet that allows billions of people to connect and access the same resources at the same time. The network employs a packet switching model that routes data traffic through an almost infinite number of connections and pathways. Each packet contains both control information as well as data from the user. The control information includes the destination and source network address as well as error detection codes and sequencing information. The payload is contained in the data part of a byte.

In the typical business network there is a central server which stores information and controls access to vital resources such as photocopiers, printers and files. The server is secured by firewalls and multifactor authentication systems to is teamviewer safe? ensure that only authorized users of the network are able to access it. Centralizing information on servers allows administrators and network security policy enforcers, to perform regular backups. Additionally, it lets employees to access corporate apps and services no matter their location — for example video-calling, document-sharing and other software.