Chapter 4. HOW COMPUTER NETWORKS ARE ORGANIZED

In order to exchange files and messages through a network, all the computers connected to that network must use the same set of rules (known to network designers as a protocol). The rules that control the Internet are called transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP). Even if you don't plan to connect your network to the Internet right now, you should use TCP/IP for at least two reasons: First, TCP/IP is built into the Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems and most inexpensive networking equipment; and second, you would waste a lot of time and money finding equipment that works with one of the other, older network protocols.

This chapter offers a relatively simple explanation ...

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