Introduction to Networking
Computer networking is the practice of connecting multiple computing devices—such as PCs, servers, routers, and IoT gadgets—to facilitate communication and resource sharing over wired or wireless links Think of networks as digital road systems where nodes (devices) exchange data via links, following agreed-upon rules called protocols
2. Network Types
2.2. Characteristics
Characteristics:
1. Simple and inexpensive to set up.
2. Common in early LANs (e.g., Ethernet with coaxial cables).
Advantages: It's simple to install, requires the least amount of cable, and is cost-effective.
Disadvantages: It has a single point of failure; if the main cable breaks, the entire network goes down. It's also difficult to troubleshoot, and performance can slow down with many devices due to data collisions.