Lesson 1 of 6
What Is a Computer Network?
Learn how devices connect and share information.
Networks connect devices
A computer network is a group of devices that can exchange data. Your phone, laptop, and router form a small home network. The internet is a network of networks — millions of private and public networks linked together.
Networks let you share files, stream video, browse websites, and send messages. Without networking, each computer would be an isolated machine.
Local vs wide area networks
A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small area such as a home or office. A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans cities or countries. The internet is the largest WAN.
Your home Wi‑Fi is a LAN. When you visit a website hosted in another country, your request travels across many WANs to reach that server.
Key takeaways
- A network allows devices to share data.
- LANs are local; WANs cover large areas.
- The internet is a global network of networks.