What is networking (technology)?

Networking connects and interlinking computing devices, systems, and software applications to enable online communication, data exchange, and resource sharing. This encompasses a various technologies, protocols, and methodologies that facilitate these connections.

Networking technology overview:

  1. Hardware Network Components: This includes devices such as routers, switches, hubs, network interface cards (NICs), modems, and cables that physically connect computers and other devices in a network.

  2. Network Protocols: These are sets of rules and conventions (standards) governing how data is transmitted and received over a network. Examples include communication protocols like TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), websockets, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), long polling, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and DNS (Domain Name System).

  3. Networking Software: This refers to software apps and utilities designed to manage, monitor, and optimize network operations. Examples include network management systems (NMS), network monitoring tools (like telemetry), firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

  4. Network Architectures: These are the designs and frameworks used to structure and organize networks, such as client-server architecture, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and cloud-based networks.

  5. Security Measures: Networking also involves implementing security measures to protect data and resources from unauthorized access, interception, and malicious attacks. This includes encryption, authentication, access control, and intrusion prevention mechanisms.

  6. Wireless Networking: This involves establishing connections between devices without the use of physical cables, using technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.

Network vs Web (WWW) whats the difference?

A network is a system of interconnected devices enabling communication and resource sharing. The World Wide Web (WWW) is a specific application/service operating over networks, consisting of interconnected hypertext documents (like HTML pages) accessible via the Internet using web browsers.

Other names for networking:

  1. Connectivity / Interconnection

  2. Telecommunications

  3. Network infrastructure

  4. Computer networking

  5. Digital networking

  6. Information networking