Fundamental Elements of Networking

There are four elements that distinguish different types of networks from each other: speed, size, connection methods, and data-sharing methods.

Network speed

One of the distinguishing features of a network is its speed: how much data per second the network can transmit. Generally speaking, the faster a network is, the more expensive it is for home users to have installed in their home.

Network size

Another defining characteristic of a network is its size, from "two computers and a cable" all the way up to the Internet as a whole.

Connection methods

A network is also defined by the way that computers within it connect to each other, whether by phone lines, Ethernet lines, wireless networking, or some combination.

Data and file sharing

The last defining characteristic of a network is how computers exchange data with each other. There are three main types of file sharing; a network can use just one file sharing method or any combination of the three.