Exploring the real-world applications powered by networking.
Computer networks are the backbone of the digital age, enabling a vast array of applications that have become integral to our daily lives. The most prominent application is the World Wide Web, which provides access to information and services hosted on servers across the globe. This includes everything from news websites and educational resources to e-commerce platforms and social media. Electronic mail (Email), another killer application, revolutionized communication by allowing users to send messages and files instantly across vast distances. Communication has further evolved with Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype and Zoom, which enable real-time voice and video calls over the internet, drastically reducing telecommunication costs. Entertainment has also been transformed, with streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube delivering on-demand video and audio content to millions of users simultaneously. Financial services heavily rely on networks for online banking, stock trading, and secure payment processing. In the business world, networks facilitate collaboration through shared databases, cloud-based document editing (e.g., Google Docs), and internal communication platforms. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging application area where everyday objects like smart home devices, wearables, and industrial sensors are connected to the network, enabling data collection and remote control.