A computer network is an interconnected system of computing devices that enables the sharing of data, resources, and services. These systems communicate through various physical transmission media, including optical fiber, copper cables, and wireless signals, and rely on standardized protocols to govern the orderly exchange of information. Architecturally, networks can span local areas, connecting devices within a limited physical space, or extend globally, linking diverse computing infrastructures. The primary functions of networked systems include facilitating communication, centralizing data storage, and enabling distributed processing power, forming the fundamental technological structure underpinning modern information exchange.