The two common networking systems are client/server and peer to peer. In client/server computing system, every client computer is dependant on the server for data sharing, logon access, printing and internet access. In case of server failure, the communication of all the client computers with the server is failed. In the peer to peer network, there is no centralized server and peer to peer model is suitable where security is not the main concern.
Topology refers to the architecture, physical layout or design in which network devices are connected with each other. There are different topologies that are used in the client/server network communication system.
The most common topologies are BUS, STAR, RING, MESH and FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface).
Network devices include router, NIC, modem, Hub, Switch, access points, wireless NIC and cables. Hub/Switch is a centralized LAN communication device and every computer in a network is directly connected with the Hub/Switch.
On the other hand a router is a LAN/WAN communication device and is used to connect two logically and physically different networks i.e. it connect two networks that operates on the different protocols TCP/IP and IPX/SPX and it connect the networks that has IP addresses of different classes.
Router is an intelligent device and its operating system has a pool of the IP addresses of the adjacent routers also known as next hopes. Every data packet contains the IP addresses of the source and destination routers and the data is routed towards the destination router based on its IP address. Router operating system is also known as Internetwork operating system.
With the broadband internet technology, voice, data and video can be shared at the same time. High speed wireless communication systems exist such as Wi-Fi and Wi Max to provide high speed and more bandwidth that supports multiple applications at the same time.
There are different communication protocols and TCP/IP is the most common LAN/WAN communication protocol. Protocol is a set of rules, agreed upon ways or standards that every device in a network supports to make the communication successful.
A computer network is categorized into the three types LAN, MAN and WAN.