Pearline Jaikumar asked:


Networking, in the recent past, has become a word synonymous with the cyber world. In simple terms, networking may be defined as interconnection of computing devices in order to share data. A group of computers interconnected by communication channels facilitate sharing of information, the prime determinant of life itself.

Networks are built with a combination of computer hardware and software. Network Interface Cards (NICs), Bridges, Hubs, Switches, and Routers are some of the basic hardware components used to interconnect the key elements of the computer network. Interlinked with the proper communication paths, networks link to other networks and also contain sub networks. The network layer is the platform on which networks are classified. The functionality of the same is based on basic reference models such as the five-layer Internet Protocol Suite (IP). (A protocol is the communication language used by computing devices.)

Computer networks may be classified based on the type of networks, design, mode of connection, and topology. The types of networks are Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Global Area Network (GAN). Client-server and peer-to-peer are the two types of high-level network design. It is based on the relationship within the elements in a network. Networks can be classified based on the technology, i.e., the computer hardware employed to enable interlinking devices in the network. For instance, Optical fiber, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, HomePNA, or Power line communication are some of the hardware components that are used. Depending on the topology (layout of connected devices), networks are also distinguished such as Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Star-bus, Tree or Hierarchical topology networks, etc.

As a proactive tool, network management helps to design, deploy, and maintain processes. Serving as a powerful tool in the telecommunications market, networking is the reason behind the paradigm shift evident in today’s advanced technology offerings. From cables and routers that link devices, to executing commands based on defined set of rules, transmitting of data has been in the process. The fine infrastructure in networking accelerates the development of cutting-edge solutions.

Networking, in the techno-savvy world makes more sense in relating to the masses than the communication methods of the bygone era. The major advantages of network are speed in connectivity and communication, sharing of resources at a secure and reliable level, enhancement of application performance and balancing, and most of all flexibility to access and connect with people. Networking occupies a prominent place in the information superhighway. On a career perspective, according to the Wall Street Journal (2006), 94% of successful job seekers claimed that networking was the reason for making a huge difference in their careers.

On a lighter vein, it may be worth quoting Guy Almes, a pioneer in the development of Internet. He states thus: “There are three kinds of death in this world.  There’s heart death, there’s brain death, and there’s being off the network.”