What are the main components of a computer network, including devices, connections, and protocols?

A computer network is a group of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other to share data and resources. The main components of a computer network include:

• Devices: These are the physical components of a network that enable communication between devices. Some common networking devices include:
• Switches: These devices connect multiple devices in a network and direct data traffic between them.
• Routers: These devices connect different networks and route data traffic between them.
• Firewalls: These devices protect networks from unauthorized access and prevent malicious traffic.
• Connections: These are the physical or virtual links between networking devices that enable data transmission. Some common types of network connections include:
• Ethernet cables: These cables connect devices in a local area network (LAN) to enable high-speed data transfer.
• Wireless connections: These connections use radio waves to transmit data between devices.
• Internet connections: These connections enable communication between devices across the internet.
• Protocols: These are the rules and procedures that govern how devices communicate with each other in a network. Some common network protocols include:
• TCP/IP: This is the standard protocol used for communication across the internet.
• HTTP: This protocol is used for web browsing and enables communication between web servers and clients.
• SMTP: This protocol is used for sending and receiving email.

By understanding the components of a computer network, including devices, connections, and protocols, you can better understand how networks work and how to troubleshoot network issues.