Point-to-Point Networks

Most of the time, we think of a computer network as a structure that can link one computer to any other computer connected to the same network. But sometimes all you need is a direct connection between two computers. This kind of connection is called a point-to-point network. Figure 2-7 shows both network types.

A point-to-point connection is handy when you want to transfer data from one computer to another when one or both of them are not already connected to a network. For example, if you're in a meeting where somebody asks for a copy of a report or drawing, you could use the built-in infrared network tools built into many laptop computers to shoot the file across the table from your computer to your colleague's. Or if ...

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