Computer networking refers to the interconnectivity that allows computers to communicate and share information. In a business setting, computer networking is essential for many daily tasks, from printing documents to managing inventory. If you're a business owner with a network in the workplace, you don't need to be proficient in computer tech support to understand the basics of this system and the benefits it provides. Below, discover a few common terms that will help you better navigate your network and its needs.

5 Networking Terms You Should Know

1. WAN

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that encompasses vast amounts of computers and devices across huge expanses of physical space. Public internet, as a whole, is an excellent example of a WAN. WAN can also describe the computer networks of large businesses with multiple physical locations, who all need access to the same information and programs.

2. LAN

A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects devices in a small space. In a business setting, the LAN is all the computers and connected devices in the workplace, including printers. The devices and data connected via a LAN are not accessible to the larger internet outside the network.

3. Port

A port is an IP address on a single device that connects it to a specific software. These types of ports shouldn't be confused with hardware ports, which are physical access points on the computer where you insert hardware, like an Ethernet® cable.

This kind of port is not physical; it lets your network server communicate using more than one application. In more technical terms, a port is a way to identify a precise process to which a network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at the server.

4. Firewall

A firewall protects your computer network from damage. It determines what traffic can move in and out of the server, based upon a predefined set of rules. It usually blocks ports that aren't utilized by a defined application. Make sure your computer tech support provider keeps your firewall updated so it can provide the highest levels of security.

5. Scalability

Scalability is another word for growth. A scalable network can expand to accommodate more and more devices. It has the capacity to integrate many new devices into the network without compromising or triggering significant changes in the overall system.

Now that you know more about networking, you can be proactive in your business's computer tech support. Ion Technology has been serving the Voorhees, NJ, and Philadelphia region since 2011. Their computer tech support services include computer repair, managed IT services, data recovery, and tech consulting. Call (856) 719-1818 or visit them online to request an estimate.