Definition
A computer network can be defined as a set of computer equipment interconnected to share resources (files and/or printers for example) and services. These equipments can be computers, smartphones, servers,… . They communicate with each other using certain common communication standards called protocols.
Below is an example of a computer network architecture:
In the above example of computer network architecture, two computers (PC5 and PC3) are directly connected to each other via a network cable. This small network can be used to share data between these two computers only.
Read also: Basic Cisco commands for configurations
And if we want to share data between more than two computers? Then we will need a network device called a switch or hub.
Read also: Role and function of switches
This will allow us to connect more than two computers together as shown in the figure below. An example of a network architecture with more than two computers:
All computers or other devices on this network can now communicate with each other using the switch.
Switches allow the devices on your network to communicate with each other. Together with other networks, it creates a network of shared resources.
Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save you money and increase productivity.
