Chapter 21. Understanding the Nature of Networks

Networks are ubiquitous. If you use a credit card or a debit card to make phone calls, or if you use a computer to access the Internet, you’re directly relying on a computer network. Because networks control just about everything, and because networks are made up of computers (which people always seem to consider complex), it’s easy to assume that networking is too complex for the average person. Here’s a secret: Networking isn’t really that complicated.

There’s a lot of technical terminology in this book—what many would call networking jargon. Don’t be put off by this. Networking is a specialized skill; like any other specialized skill, it has its own vernacular. You aren’t expected to know everything ...

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