Networking

Human Activities Blended Into Digital Connections Unlike the human concept of networking which involves the purposeful interaction of individuals focused upon mutually beneficial personal and business relationships (for example: exchanging business cards), computer networks are based upon abstract relations such as protocols, addresses, and digital signals. Computerized networking is a method by which computers share streams of digital coding. However, the overall application of networked computers produces a peculiar replica of human networking, especially in the arena of computerized social networking.

What is the Conceptual Model of a Network?

Networked computers exhibit a set of evolving characteristics that is similar to the emergent nature of human networks. In essences, a computer network, like a human network, cannot be fully explained by limiting the examination to the individual components of the network. Each aspect of the hardware is shifted and adapted according to the current human application of the network. Some computer networks involve social applications. Others revolve around mechanical applications. All require physical components of some sort.

In computing, the invisible backbone of Internet and telephone communications is based upon digital networking.

The Open Systems Interconnection ("OSI") model describes how data moves through a network. It establishes the digital core of how software applications move information from one computer to another. OSI consists of seven core layers of specific network functions. Each of these layers deals with particular sub-tasks. As a whole, they ensure that network information is accurately routed, transferred, and translated. Once the digital information is handed over to a unique system for application processing, the task of the OSI model is finished until the next packet of network information needs to be exchanged with external systems.

In a broader view of the OSI model, we understand that a collection of individual devices are linked together via a physical layout of computerized units that contain some type of network interface card. These network interface cards, connected through wired or wireless digital exchange systems, are capable of processing specific and well-defined communication protocols that enable accurate digital interpretation. Whether of conventional computer design, or in the form of a modern mobile telephone, each device on the networked system is specifically identified via a unique numbering configuration.

Methods of Connection

The functioning components of computerized communications networks often remain unseen to the average user. The hardwire is concealed within the device. The data passes through buried cables and along invisible airwaves. The network functions, connections are established, information is exchanged, and it all takes place in the background of our daily personal networking activities.