Communication is a set of computers or networks that are connected to each other so that they can exchange data. It is an important facet in our current culture, as it facilitates social and business transactions of all kinds. The medias through which the data can be passed along can be optical fiber, twisted pair copper, coaxial, power lines, and other wireless technologies. Each of these media has different transfer characteristics that dictate how much data can be transferred, and therefore how much information can be communication across the network.

 

Communication networks can range in size from your basic home to complex global systems. Examples of different communication networks are Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and Wireless LANs and WANs (WLAN & WWAN). LANs connect devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, office, or small school. Two common technologies used to build LANs are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. WANs cover a large geographical area such as a city or campus and create a communications channel utilizing multiple forms of media such as telephone wires, fiber optic cables, and twisted pair copper.

 

Examples of information that can be communicated across a network include pictures, live video streams, business transactions, and electronic mail.