IT networking encompasses all tools, resources, and practices required to connect individual computer devices, allowing them to easily share data with one another. Such systems allow for flexible communications, transactions, and information access among local servers or over the internet.
Businesses relying on modern technology depend on networks for storage efficiency, greater security, and the ability to boost growth, productivity, and innovation. Much of these systems now also take place online via “cloud computing”, alleviating the need for on-site infrastructure and effectively reducing company expenses on physical equipment. Such virtual networks also have the benefit of being highly scalable – giving businesses the flexibility of only paying for what they need – and are largely adaptable to the changing needs of an organisation.
Other, more traditional networks include local area networks (LANs), in which computers are connected within a single office space or building. Wide area networks (WANs) are networks that can span entire cities or even countries, allowing stable long-distance communications. Finally, we have service network providers –companies that provide network use or capacity for a given service, such as telecommunications, mobile data, or Internet access.
IT network professionals are experts of this field, helping ensure an organisation’s network is optimised and performing according to business needs.