A network is a collection of two or more computers or electronic devices connected together to share resources, exchange data, and communicate. These devices, often called nodes or hosts, can include computers, servers, printers, mobile phones, game consoles, and other peripherals. The connections between them can be physical cables (like copper wires or fiber optics) or wireless signals (such as radio waves or infrared)
. Networks enable devices to share hardware (e.g., printers), software, files, and internet access, facilitating collaboration and communication within homes, businesses, or across larger geographic areas. Examples of network types include Local Area Networks (LANs) for small areas, Wide Area Networks (WANs) covering large regions or countries, Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Personal Area Networks (PANs) for very close-range connections like Bluetooth between a phone and earbuds
. Communication in networks relies on protocols—sets of rules governing data exchange—such as TCP/IP and HTTP. Networks can be simple, like two computers connected by a cable (peer-to-peer), or complex client-server systems with centralized servers providing resources to many clients. The internet is the largest example of a global network, connecting billions of devices worldwide
. In summary, a network is a system that links multiple computing devices to enable resource sharing, communication, and data exchange, forming the foundation of modern digital communication and computing
