Computer Network (전산망)

A computer network (전산망) is a network infrastructure that connects computers and information systems to exchange data and share resources.

Computer Network (전산망)

Overview

A computer network (전산망, 電算網) is a system that connects information processing devices such as computers, servers, and terminals through communication media so that data can be transmitted and resources shared. As the information and communications foundation of modern society, it underlies a wide range of services including the Internet, corporate intranets, cloud, and the Internet of Things (IoT). A computer network has a layered structure in which hardware, software, protocols, and security policies are combined in a complex manner, and stability, scalability, and security are emphasized as core requirements.

Key Details

Definition and Scope

In a broad sense, a computer network includes all wired and wireless connection systems that enable communication between computers. In a narrower sense, it may refer to a local area network (LAN) within an organization, a wide area network (WAN), or a public network such as the Internet. Computer networks support data transmission, resource sharing (such as printers and storage devices), distributed processing, remote access, and communication services.

Components

Node: Devices connected to the network, such as servers, clients, routers, and switches
Link: Data transmission media such as cables, optical fiber, and radio frequencies
Protocol: Communication rules such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and Ethernet
Network equipment: Routers, switches, hubs, firewalls, and load balancers
Software: Operating systems, network management tools, and security solutions

Network Types

LAN (Local Area Network): High-speed connections within a limited area such as a building or campus
WAN (Wide Area Network): Broad connections between cities or countries (including the Internet)
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network at the scale of a city
PAN (Personal Area Network): Connections between devices around an individual (such as Bluetooth)
VPN (Virtual Private Network): Virtual private connections over a public network

Layered Structure and Standards

Computer networks are described using the OSI 7-layer model or the TCP/IP 4-layer model. Each layer, from the physical layer to the application layer, performs its functions independently and ensures interoperability. Standards such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) are widely used.

Security and Management

Computer network security is implemented through firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), encryption, access control, and other measures. Network administrators use tools such as SNMP, NetFlow, and monitoring tools to manage traffic and failures. Recently, the Zero Trust model has been attracting attention.

Latest Trends

In 2024–2025, the spread of cloud-native architectures, software-defined networking (SDN), and network function virtualization (NFV) is prominent in the computer network field. The commercialization of 5G/6G mobile communications and Wi-Fi 7 has made ultra-high-speed and ultra-low-latency connections possible, and edge computing and distributed network architectures are being emphasized in response to the explosive increase in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In addition, AI-based autonomous network operations (AIOps) and security automation are being introduced to improve operational efficiency and response speed. Quantum cryptographic communication and the Zero Trust security model are also in the research and adoption stages. Discussions on energy-efficient technologies for sustainable networks and 6G standardization are also active.