---
title: "What is a computer network"
subject: "Computer Networks and Security"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_7/computer_networks_and_security:computer-network-definition"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/computer-network-definition
site: BCT Engineering
---

# What is a computer network

Computer Networks and Security · Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Network

- Asked in: 2071 Shrawan, 2 marks
- Video: [Introduction to Computer Networks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwN91x5i25g) — Neso Academy
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/computer-network-definition
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/chapter-1

## Question

What is a computer network?

## Short answer

A computer network is a group of autonomous computers and devices linked by a medium to exchange data and share resources like files and printers. It uses nodes, links, devices, and protocols, classified by scale as PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN.

## Answer

A **computer network** is a collection of two or more autonomous computers and other devices (printers, servers, routers) interconnected by a communication medium, wired or wireless, so that they can exchange data and share resources such as files, printers, software and an Internet connection.

Main parts are nodes (hosts), links (media), connecting devices (switch, router) and protocols (rules of communication). Networks are classified by size as PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN. Examples are a college computer lab LAN and the Internet.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a computer network?
   A. A single computer with many programs
   B. Two or more autonomous computers and devices interconnected by wired or wireless medium to exchange data and share resources
   C. A collection of cables only
   D. Software for browsing
   Answer: B. A network connects autonomous computers and devices so they can exchange data and share resources. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which list gives the main parts of a network?
   A. Nodes, links, connecting devices and protocols
   B. Only cables
   C. Only servers
   D. Only software
   Answer: A. Nodes, links, connecting devices (switch, router) and protocols make up a network. (Key point: Main parts)

3. How are networks classified by size?
   A. PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN
   B. TCP, UDP, IP, ARP
   C. Star, bus, ring, mesh
   D. Client, server, peer, host
   Answer: A. By size: PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN. (Key point: Size classification)

## Related in Computer Networks and Security

- [What is network security](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetwork-security-meaning) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Meaning of network architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetwork-architecture-meaning) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 1
- [Network design for 3-star hotel](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Ahotel-network-design) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 1
- [X.25 network and features](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Ax25-network) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 2
- [Functions of network layer](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetwork-layer-functions) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4
- [Why network layer is key layer](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetwork-layer-key-layer) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4

## Related in other subjects

- [BOQ for DOECE four computer labs](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Aboq-doece-four-labs) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 5
- [Design network for two buildings with fiber](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Anetwork-design-guidelines-two-buildings) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 5
- [4×4 omega switching network](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Aomega-network) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 8
- [Crossbar switch vs multistage network](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Acrossbar-vs-multistage) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 8