Characteristics of a Computer Network
A computer network is a set of connected computer systems that can communicate and share resources with each other, from two laptops linked over Wi-Fi to the global infrastructure behind the internet. Networks are what turn isolated computer systems into something that can share data, work, and resources at scale.
Last updated: 8 September 2026
Key characteristics
Connectivity
The core function of a network is linking multiple devices together, whether by physical cable or wireless signal, so they can exchange data directly or through intermediate devices.
Resource sharing
Networks allow multiple users or devices to share resources such as printers, storage, or internet access, rather than each device needing its own dedicated copy of everything.
Communication
Networks enable devices and their users to exchange messages and data, from a simple file transfer to real-time video calls, forming the basis for most modern collaborative and communication tools.
Scalability
A well-designed network can grow to accommodate more devices and traffic over time without requiring a complete redesign, which matters enormously as organisations and user bases expand.
Reliability
Networks are expected to deliver data accurately and consistently, and well-designed networks include redundancy and error-checking so that a single failed link or device doesn't take down the whole system.
Performance
Bandwidth, the amount of data that can move through the network, and latency, how quickly it arrives, together determine how responsive and usable a network feels for real applications.
Security
Networks need mechanisms to control who can access them and to protect data in transit from interception or tampering, since connectivity also creates a pathway for unauthorised access if left unprotected.
Topology
The physical or logical arrangement of devices, such as star, bus, ring, or mesh layouts, affects how data flows through the network and how it responds when part of it fails.
Protocols
Networks rely on standardised rules, such as TCP/IP, that govern exactly how data is formatted, addressed, and transmitted, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate reliably with each other.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of computer networks?
Common categories include LAN (Local Area Network, covering a small area like an office or home), WAN (Wide Area Network, spanning large geographic distances), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network, covering a city-sized area), which differ mainly in the geographic scale they cover.
What is the difference between a computer network and the internet?
A computer network is any set of connected devices sharing data and resources, at any scale. The internet, described on our Characteristics of the Internet page, is specifically the vast global network of interconnected networks that spans the entire world using standardised protocols.
What is network topology?
Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices and connections within a network, either physically (how cables are actually run) or logically (how data flows regardless of physical layout), and affects the network's performance, cost, and resilience to failure.