SKILLSOURCE • NETWORKING
What Is Computer Networking? A Simple Beginner’s Guide
Learn how computers, phones, servers and other devices communicate
with each other. This easy guide explains networks, Wi-Fi, routers,
IP addresses, the internet and the basic networking skills beginners
should know.
What Is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a group of devices that are connected so they
can communicate and share information or resources.
The devices on a network can include computers, smartphones,
printers, servers, cameras, smart televisions and many other
connected devices.
Networks can be very small. For example, several devices connected
to the same home router form a network. Large organizations can have
networks connecting thousands of devices across multiple locations.
Simple definition:
A network allows connected devices to communicate with each other
and exchange information or access shared resources.
What Does a Simple Network Look Like?
A basic home network can contain several different devices. The
router often acts as an important connection point between devices
on the local network and the wider internet.
Example of a Simple Home Network
Laptop
Connected device
Router
Network connection point
Smartphone
Wireless device
Internet
Wider network
Common Types of Computer Networks
Networks can be described in different ways depending on their size,
purpose and geographic coverage.
Local Area Network
A LAN connects devices within a limited area such as a home,
office, school or building.
Wide Area Network
A WAN connects networks across larger geographic areas.
The internet is the world’s most familiar example of a
very large interconnected network.
Wireless Network
Wireless networks allow devices to communicate without a
physical network cable, commonly using technologies such as
Wi-Fi.
Home Network
A home network commonly connects phones, computers,
televisions, printers and other devices through a router.
What Is a Router?
A router is a networking device that helps direct data between
different networks.
In a typical home environment, the router can connect local devices
to each other and provide a connection to the internet through an
internet service provider.
Think of a router like a traffic director:
It helps determine where network traffic should go so information
can reach the appropriate destination.
What Is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a technology that allows compatible devices to connect to
a network wirelessly.
A phone or laptop can use Wi-Fi to communicate with a wireless
network rather than connecting directly with an Ethernet cable.
Wireless Connection
Devices communicate with network equipment using radio
signals instead of a physical cable.
Convenience
Wi-Fi allows people to move around within an appropriate
coverage area while remaining connected.
Signal Strength
Walls, distance, interference and equipment can affect
wireless performance.
Security
Wireless networks should use appropriate security settings
and strong credentials to help protect access.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address is a numerical address used to identify a device or
network interface for communication using an IP-based network.
You can think of it as an address that helps network traffic know
where information should be delivered.
There are different versions of IP addressing. IPv4 is widely used,
while IPv6 was developed to provide a much larger address space.
Beginner tip:
You do not need to memorize IP addresses to begin learning
networking. Focus first on understanding what an IP address
does and why devices need addresses when communicating.
Important Networking Terms for Beginners
Server
A server is a computer or system that provides services or
resources to other devices or applications.
Client
A client is a device or application that requests a service
or resource from another system.
DNS
The Domain Name System helps translate human-friendly
domain names into information used to locate internet
resources.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth describes the amount of data that can be transferred
through a connection over a particular period.
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of wired networking technologies commonly
used to connect devices to networks.
Network Switch
A network switch connects devices within a local network and
helps forward data between them.
How Does the Internet Work?
The internet is not one single computer. It is a huge collection of
interconnected networks that communicate using standardized
networking technologies and protocols.
When you open a website, your device communicates through several
networking systems to locate and request information from the
appropriate server or service.
The response is then sent back through the network to your device,
where your browser or application displays the information.
Security matters:
Internet communication can involve many systems and networks.
Secure protocols, authentication and good security practices
are important for protecting information.
What Happens When You Visit a Website?
A simplified version of the process can be understood as a series
of steps.
1
You Enter a Website Address
You type a domain name into your browser or select a link.
2
The Domain Is Located
DNS-related systems help determine where the requested
internet resource can be found.
3
Your Request Travels Through the Network
Network equipment and internet infrastructure help move
the request toward its destination.
4
The Server Responds
The destination system processes the request and sends
the appropriate information back.
5
Your Browser Displays the Result
Your browser receives the information and displays the
website on your screen.
What Are Network Protocols?
Network protocols are agreed rules that allow devices and systems
to communicate in a consistent way.
HTTP and HTTPS
These protocols are associated with communication between
web browsers and web servers. HTTPS adds encryption through
TLS.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol helps provide reliable,
ordered communication between networked applications.
IP
Internet Protocol provides addressing and routing functions
that help move packets between networks.
DNS
DNS helps applications find network information associated
with domain names.
Basic Network Security Skills
Understanding networking also means understanding basic security.
Connected devices can create opportunities for useful communication,
but they also need protection.
Use Strong Passwords
Protect routers, online accounts and other network equipment
with strong, unique credentials.
Update Devices
Keep operating systems, routers, applications and other
network-connected devices appropriately updated.
Protect Wi-Fi
Use appropriate wireless security settings and avoid sharing
network credentials unnecessarily.
Learn About Firewalls
Firewalls can help control network traffic according to
configured security rules.
Wired vs Wireless Networking
| Feature |
Wired |
Wireless |
|
Connection
|
Usually uses a physical network cable.
|
Uses wireless radio communication.
|
|
Mobility
|
Devices are generally limited by cable placement.
|
Devices can move within suitable wireless coverage.
|
|
Interference
|
Less affected by wireless radio interference.
|
Can be affected by distance, obstacles and interference.
|
|
Common Use
|
Desktops, servers, switches and other fixed equipment.
|
Phones, laptops, tablets and many smart devices.
|
How Can a Beginner Learn Networking?
Networking becomes much easier when you build your knowledge in
stages rather than trying to memorize everything at once.
1
Learn Computer Basics
Understand operating systems, files, applications and
basic computer hardware.
2
Learn Network Vocabulary
Become familiar with terms such as router, switch,
server, client, IP address, DNS and protocol.
3
Understand Home Networks
Learn how your router, Wi-Fi devices and internet
connection work together.
4
Practice Troubleshooting
Learn how to identify simple connection problems such as
Wi-Fi issues, incorrect settings and cable problems.
5
Explore Advanced Networking
When you are comfortable with the basics, continue into
routing, switching, network security, cloud networking
and professional certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a computer network?
A computer network is a group of connected devices that can
communicate and share information or resources.
Is Wi-Fi the same as the internet?
No. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology. The internet is
a much larger system of interconnected networks. A device can
use Wi-Fi to connect to a local network that provides internet
access.
What does a router do?
A router helps direct network traffic between different networks
and commonly connects a home or office network to an internet
service.
Do I need programming to learn networking?
No. You can learn networking fundamentals without programming.
Programming and scripting become useful later for automation
and advanced technical work.
Is networking difficult for beginners?
The subject has many technical concepts, but beginners can
learn it successfully by starting with basic devices,
connections and terminology before moving into advanced topics.
What can networking skills help me do?
Networking knowledge can support careers and learning in IT
support, system administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing,
network administration and other technology fields.
SKILLSOURCE
Build Your Networking Skills One Step at a Time
Computer networking may seem complicated when you first encounter
terms such as IP addresses, DNS, protocols, routers and servers.
The good news is that you do not need to learn everything at once.
Start with the devices you already use. Learn how your home network
works, understand basic networking vocabulary and practice solving
simple connection problems.
Once the fundamentals become familiar, you can move into more
advanced subjects such as network security, cloud networking,
system administration and professional IT certifications.
Understand the connection. Learn the technology. Build your IT skills.
