Router (computing)A router is a computer and networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, including internetworks such as the global Internet. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different IP networks. When a data packet arrives on a line, the router reads the network address in the packet header to determine the next path towards the destination.
Circuit switchingCircuit switching is a method of implementing a telecommunications network in which two network nodes establish a dedicated communications channel (circuit) through the network before the nodes may communicate. The circuit guarantees the full bandwidth of the channel and remains connected for the duration of the communication session. The circuit functions as if the nodes were physically connected as with an electrical circuit.
Network packetIn telecommunications and computer networking, a network packet is a formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network. A packet consists of control information and user data; the latter is also known as the payload. Control information provides data for delivering the payload (e.g., source and destination network addresses, error detection codes, or sequencing information). Typically, control information is found in packet headers and trailers.
Public switched telephone networkThe public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the aggregate of the world's telephone networks that are operated by national, regional, or local telephony operators. It provides infrastructure and services for public telephony.Packet forwardingPacket forwarding is the relaying of packets from one network segment to another by nodes in a computer network.
Computer networkNetwork that allows computers to share resources and communicate with each otherMetricsAlgorithmsCentralityGroup centralityDegreeMotifClusteringDegree distributionAssortativityDistanceModularityEfficiency ModelsListsCategoriesTopicsSoftwareNetwork scientistsIn computer science, computer engineering, and telecommunications, a network is a group of communicating computers and peripherals known as hosts, which communicate data to other hosts via communication protocols, as facilitated by networking hardware.
InternetGlobal system of connected computer networks "Interweb" redirects here; not to be confused with Interweb (song). This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.
Network theoryIn mathematics, computer science, and network science, network theory is a part of graph theory. It defines networks as graphs where the vertices or edges possess attributes. Network theory analyses these networks over the symmetric relations or asymmetric relations between their (discrete) components.
Network interface controllerA network interface controller (NIC, also known as a network interface card, network adapter, LAN adapter and physical network interface) is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network. Early network interface controllers were commonly implemented on expansion cards that plugged into a computer bus.Gateway (telecommunications)A gateway is a piece of networking hardware or software used in telecommunications networks that allows data to flow from one discrete network to another. Gateways are distinct from routers or switches in that they communicate using more than one protocol to connect multiple networks and can operate at any of the seven layers of the OSI model.Node (computer networking)In networking, a node (Latin: nodus, 'knot') is either a redistribution point or a communication endpoint within telecommunication networks or computer networks. A physical network node is an electronic device that is attached to a network, and is capable of creating, receiving, or transmitting information over a communication channel.
Networking hardwareNetworking hardware, also known as network equipment or computer networking devices, are electronic devices that are required for communication and interaction between devices on a computer network. Specifically, they mediate data transmission in a computer network. Units that are the last receiver or generate data are called hosts, end systems or data terminal equipment.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.