1. Introduction

Networks connect computers together. But there are many ways to do this, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

The two most important factors in the shape of a network are the media used to connect computers together (wired or wireless) and how those connections are arranged.

In this section we will discuss the choices available for connecting computers together in both wired and wireless networks, as well as some of the common "arrangements" or "topologies" of these networks.