What is computer networking?

Networking, or computer networking, is the process of connecting two or more computing devices, such as desktop computers, mobile devices, routers or applications, to enable the transmission and exchange of information and resources.

Networked devices rely on communications protocols—rules that describe how to transmit or exchange data across a network—to share information over physical or wireless connections.

Key networking components and devices

Before we delve into more complex networking topics, it’s important to understand fundamental networking components, including: