ABSTRACT
Networking is the interconnection of nodes by communication links. Different topologies are employed for connecting nodes like mesh, star, bus, ring, and hybrid. Network components like servers, transmission media, peripherals, shared printers, network interface cards (NICs) local operating system (LOS), network operating system (NOS), etc. help in sharing resources and data between nodes.
Networks are classified by their sizes. They include local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), global area network (GAN). There can also be personal area network (PAN) and power line area network (PLAN).
LANs are privately owned networks with many computers sharing their resources in a room or building. LANs can spread to several kilometers, while a MAN is a combination of several LANs. A WAN refers to a geographical area that may be a country or even a continent. GAN covers the entire globe. Internet is an example of GAN.
Networking is synonymous with Internet with Internet service providers (ISPs) providing local, regional, national, and international connectivity via complex network switches and network access points (NAPs).
