A network is composed of a number of nodes and links connecting these nodes, representing many objects and their interconnections.

Mathematically, a network is a type of graph and is generally considered to refer exclusively to weighted graphs. In addition to its mathematical definition, a network has a specific physical meaning, i.e., a network is a model that is abstracted from some real-world problem of the same type.

In the field of computing, a network is a virtual platform for the transmission, reception, and ****enjoyment of information, through which information from various points, surfaces, and bodies is linked together, thus realizing the ****enjoyment of these resources. The network is the most important invention in the history of human development, improving the development of science and technology and human society.

Expanded Information:

The role of the network:

1, easy to carry out distributed processing

In the network, it is also possible to break down a relatively large problem or task into a number of sub-problems or tasks, dispersed to different computers in the network to deal with the calculation. This distributed processing capability is fruitful in carrying out research and development on a number of major topics.

2. Comprehensive Information Services

In today's information society, individuals, offices, libraries, businesses and schools are generating and processing large amounts of information every minute of every day. This information may be text, numbers, images, sound or even video, and through the network it is possible to collect, process and transmit this information. Therefore, integrated information service will become the basic service function of the network.

3, rapid transmission of information

Computer systems distributed in different areas can be through the network in a timely manner, high-speed transmission of various information, exchange of data, send e-mail, so that people are more closely linked.

4, improve system reliability

In the network, because the computers are collaborating with each other, each other's backup relationship, as well as in the network using some of the backup equipment and some of the load scheduling, data fault-tolerant and other technologies, so that when a part of the network fails, the rest of the network can automatically take over its tasks. Therefore, compared with stand-alone systems, computer networks have a high degree of reliability.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Network