Introduction to Networking

1.1. Basic Concepts in Networking

At its core, computer networking is the practice of connecting two or more computing devices with the purpose of sharing data, resources, and services. A network is simply a group of interconnected devices. The most fundamental concepts include:

Node: Any device connected to a network, such as a computer, printer, or server.

Link: The physical or logical connection that allows data to travel between nodes. Links can be wired (like an Ethernet cable) or wireless (like Wi-Fi).

Data Packet: A small block of data transmitted over a network. Data is broken down into these packets for efficient transfer.

Bandwidth: The maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time, often measured in bits per second (bps).