Networking Concepts

Library
This page contains information about basic networking principles.

Parts of a network

Regardless of whether a network is fast or slow, wired or wireless, all networks share certain fundamental characteristics. At a minimum, there must be a computer making a request, a computer responding to a request, and a mechanism for the two of them to communicate.

A simple home network can be made from two computers, a printer, some form of connection, a router, and an Internet connection. UIUCnet shares the same general structure as that small home network, though many more computers and subnetworks are connected to it.

Fundamental elements of networking

There are four elements that distinguish different types of networks from each other: speed, size, connection methods, and data- and file-sharing methods. These pages introduce you to the basic types of networking technologies currently available for network users.

Internet Connection Sharing

If you have more than one computer in your home, you can share your Internet connection among the computers.