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A network infrastructure is a set of interconnected computer systems that can be open or closed, wired or wireless. It includes individual computers, routers, switches, and protocols. Network security is important and can be controlled through firewalls and access control.
A network infrastructure is an interconnected set of computer systems connected by the various parts of a telecommunications architecture. Specifically, this infrastructure refers to the organization of its various parts and their configuration: from individual computers on the network to routers, cables, wireless access points, switches, backbones, network protocols and network access methodologies. Infrastructures can be open or closed, such as the open architecture of the Internet or the closed architecture of a private intranet. They can operate over wired or wireless network connections, or a combination of both.
The simplest form of network infrastructure typically consists of one or more computers, a network or Internet connection, and a hub to connect the computers to the network connection and link the various systems together. The hub simply connects computers, but does not limit the flow of data to or from a system. To control or limit access between systems and regulate the flow of information, a switch replaces the hub to create network protocols that define how systems communicate with each other. To allow the network created by these systems to communicate with others, through the network connection, a router is needed, which acts as a bridge between the networks and essentially provides a common language for data exchange, according to the rules of each network.
When multiple computers in the same household share the same Internet connection, it is considered a basic form of network infrastructure, whether or not the computers share information with each other. The Internet itself is a more advanced network infrastructure, where individual systems access a global network that hosts information about various systems and allows access using web standards and protocols, more commonly referred to as web addresses, also known as URLs.
Office intranets are similar to the global Internet, but operate on a closed network infrastructure that can only be accessed by those within it. It typically consists of a central data store, one or more computers known as servers, as well as ethernet cables, wireless access points, routers, switches, and the individual computers with access to the central data store. Individual computers connect to the network via wired or wireless access. Routers and switches then determine what level of access they can have and act as traffic directors to route them to central data storage on the servers. As individual computers send or receive data, routers ensure that it reaches the appropriate place.
Network security is often a primary concern when building a network infrastructure. Most architectures use routers with built-in firewalls, as well as software that allows for fine-tuned user access control, data packet monitoring, and strictly defined protocols. Security can also be controlled by adjusting network share properties on individual systems, which limits which folders and files can be seen by other users on the network.
