Computer network

A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of computers and devices connected by communications channels that facilitates communications among users and allows users to share resources with other users. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. This article provides a general overview of types and categories and also presents the basic components of a network.

• Network classification
  
  •  Connection method
  •  Wired technologies
  •  Wireless technologies
  •  Scale
  •  Functional relationship (network architecture)
  •  Network topology
•  Types of networks
  
  • Personal area network
  •  Local area network
    
    •  Home area network
  •  Campus network
  •  Wide area network
  •  Global area network
  •  Enterprise Private Network
  •  Virtual private network
  •  Internetwork
    
    •  Internet
    •  Intranets and extranets
    •  Overlay Network
•  Basic hardware components
  
  •  Network interface cards
  •  Repeaters
  •  Hubs
  •  Bridges
  •  Switches
  •  Routers