Networking is the foundation of the internet and modern communication systems. It involves the exchange of data between computers, devices, and servers using wired or wireless connections. Whether you’re browsing a website or using a mobile app, networking enables devices to communicate and share resources.

Key components of a network:

• Devices: Computers, servers, routers, switches, smartphones.
• Medium: Wired (Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
• Protocols: Set of rules for communication (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP).
• IP Address: A unique identifier assigned to each device on a network.

Types of networks:

• LAN (Local Area Network): Small geographic area, like an office or home.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large areas—e.g., the internet.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city or campus.

Basic concepts:

• Router: Connects different networks and assigns IPs.
• Switch: Forwards data within a local network.
• Firewall: Controls access and protects against threats.

Learning networking is crucial for IT roles in systems administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and DevOps. As businesses rely more on digital infrastructure, networking knowledge becomes increasingly valuable for troubleshooting, configuration, and optimization.