Introduction

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.

Although it is possible to use a special cable to allow two computers to talk directly to each other without connecting to any other computer, most networks are designed to permit connection to the Internet as well as to any other local computers.

This series of pages introduce a typical, simple home network, with two computers, a printer, a router, and a connection to the Internet.

• Home network
  • First element: Computers
  • Second element: Printers
  • Third element: Connection types
  • Fourth element: Routers and more
  • Fifth element: Internet access
• How it all works
• Parallels with UIUCnet