Introduction
Networking
Networking is how computers share information with each other. It allows devices to connect, send data, browse websites, and communicate across short or long distances.
What Networking Does
- Lets computers connect to the internet
- Allows devices in the same place to share files or printers
- Helps services like websites and apps work
- Makes communication between systems possible
Key Parts of Networking
Interfaces
These are the “network ports” of a computer. They let a device connect to a network, either through cable or Wi-Fi.
IP Address
This is like a home address for a computer so others know where to send data.
Gateway
The gateway is like the exit door from your local network to the wider internet.
DNS
DNS works like a phonebook. It converts website names (like example.com) into actual addresses so computers can find them.
Routes
These decide which path data should take to reach another device or the internet.
Simple View of How Data Moves
- Your device has an IP address.
- It asks DNS for the address of a website.
- It sends the request through the gateway.
- Data travels through routers until it reaches the destination.
- The server replies, and the response travels back to your device.