The document provides an introduction to networking concepts including:
- A network consists of two or more connected computers that can communicate and share resources.
- Networks allow for sharing information, hardware, software and centralized administration across connected computers.
- Networks can be classified based on transmission media, size, management methods and topology. Common guided transmission media include twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables and fiber-optic cables.
- Local area networks (LANs) connect computers within a short distance while wide area networks (WANs) connect LANs over longer distances using technologies like broadband, frame relay and ATM.