A network, from the point of view of computing, refers to that type of interconnection that takes place between a certain number of computers or electronic devices, both wired and wireless which, through electromagnetic waves or electrical impulses, can send or receive information through data packets, act as an organized set, and share different types of resources.

All networks have different processes for both emission and reception of messages , this allows the compression between equipment to be guaranteed by means of specific codes and standards. The type of encrypted message that allows compression between devices is known as protocols.

Purpose of a network

• Allows internal communication.
• Ease of running programs
• Internet connection
• Manage peripherals such as printers, scanners, among others.
• Supports management processes.
• They carry out information processing.

Examples of network types

According to the dimensions for which the networks are determined, we can classify them into:

• LAN: its acronym in Spanish refers to a “Local Area Network”. They are low capacity networks that work to install or manage at home.
• MAN: its acronym in Spanish means “Metropolitan Area Network”. They are networks that can be used in large spaces such as university campuses or large libraries. They can even work for small towns.
• WAN: its acronym in Spanish refers to a “Wide Area Network”. In this type of network, broad networks of global reach are included, such as the internet.

It should be noted that networks can also be differentiated as follows:

• Guided media : are the networks that are linked through various wired physical systems such as: fiber optic, coaxial, among others. Among the advantages it has we can mention its speed and its little interference and among the disadvantages we can mention the impractical and practical.
• Non-guided media : are those networks that establish the connection through aerial and dispersed means such as radio waves, microwaves, among others, as is the case with Wi-Fi systems. They are of medium or low speed but when it comes to using them they are much more practical and comfortable.

Elements of a network

• Hardware : are those devices that facilitate the establishment of the connection and communication, such as in the case of network cards, modems and routers, or repeater antennas.
• Software : are those programs required to be able to manage thecommunications hardware such as is the casewith network operating systems and communication protocols.
• Servers and clients: they are in charge of processing the data flow system that a network has, thus attending to the various requests of the other users of the network. This makes it easier for the user to have more access to the network and to share information and server resources.
• Transmission media: this is the mechanism through which the communication of the message is sent. It can be by wiring or through electromagnetic waves.