How does a computer network work?
Computer networks, regardless of size and ownership, exist for one main purpose: moving information from one point to another. Beyond that purpose, networks then divide by connection, topology (design), size and architecture. Networks work by establishing a client (a computer which needs information) and a server (a computer which gives information). The client can be one computer or thousands and the server can be one machine or a collection of machines. Clients connect with the servers via network hardware and software, specially designed for connectivity. Clients use network interface cards (NICs) which are cards that, once installed, allow the client to attach a cable for connecting to a device known as a switch. A switch accepts the client’s cable and reads its requests and sends its information through to the server. The server can then take the data request and fulfill it by either returning the data requested, sending it to the corresponding network device (printer, copier, VTC
