Computer networks are all around us. They’re used by virtually all businesses, organisations and even households to help us share information and communicate. Computer networks can range in size and complexity from small, internal networks connecting a computer and a printer to large, wide area networks exchanging data across entire continents.

It’s possible for data to travel around these networks thanks largely to industry standards and protocols which ensure all devices can communicate easily with each other. Networks can be either wired or wireless and both have their advantages and disadvantages although they share much of the same underlying technology.

Below, we go in to more detail explaining how computer networks work, why we need them, the benefits and challenges of working with computer networks (including security issues) and the various technologies used by them…

• Different types of networks, standards and protocols available
• Why different network standards and protocols are necessary
• Key components required for client workstations to connect to a network and access network resources
• The function of interconnection devices
• Typical services provided by networks
• How to make a networked system secure
• Justifying the design and choice of components used in a networked solution
• Typical services available from a network operating system directory service
• Benefits and disadvantages of peer-to-peer network and client/server networks
• Business risks of insecure networks and how they can be minimised