# Networking Basics ## Networking Definition Networking is what connects people, devices, and the world together. This of a computer network like a conference where people meet up and exchange information, or a global trade network where companies trade goods and services to each other or to individuals. In a networking sense, each individual would be what is called an End Devices. Computers, mobile phones, and VOIP telephones, are some examples of end devices. For data to reach an end device, you will need ## Network Architecture ### Topology #### LAN - Local Area Network Local Area Network refers to devices which are wired together using physical cables, in a local area (Like a computer lab). There are different topologies in which the devices are connected Different Network Topologies **Point to Point:** Point to point is when an end device is connected to an end device #### WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network #### WAN - Wireless Area Network #### VPN - Virtual Private Network ### Hardware --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://blog.securescape.cc/fundamentals/networking-wip/networking-101/networking-basics.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.