# 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 <mark style="color:red;background-color:orange;">End Devices</mark>. Computers, mobile phones, and VOIP telephones, are some examples of end devices. For data to reach an end device, you will need&#x20;

## 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

<img src="https://1797977785-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjrIJ5xrJuOVgeeYdKNB5%2Fuploads%2FHfHOVXgnGXrSll2cvB0R%2Ffile.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=020b81a3-0339-4dc6-ac11-2f313628dfed" alt="Different Network Topologies" class="gitbook-drawing">

**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&#x20;

#### VPN - Virtual Private Network

### Hardware