What Is Networking?

Networking is the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting. Networking often begins with a single point of common ground. The term computer networking refers to linking multiple devices to share information and software resources in an immediate Online Networking
Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn provide an online location for people to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share information. And, of course, they provide a place to post a resume that can be seen by prospective employers, to search for jobs, or to identify job candidates.

Theses days, a business-to-business (B2B) customer pipeline can be developed almost entirely through the use of a social networking site. Online networking forums allow professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and connect with like-minded people.
LinkedIn is the largest professional network, but there are many others.
Some cater to particular subsets of people, such as Black Business Women Online. Others have a different focus, such as Meetup, which encourages its members to meet in person off-site or virtually through online video conferences.

How Networking Works?

People generally join networking groups based on a single common point of interest that all members share. The most obvious is a professional affiliation, such as stockbrokers. Still, some people find effective networking opportunities in a college alumni group, a church or synagogue social group, or a private club.
For professionals, the best networking opportunities may occur at trade shows, seminars, and conferences, designed to attract a large crowd of like-minded individuals. Networking helps a professional keep up with current events in the field and develop relationships that may boost future business or employment prospects. Needless to say, it also provides opportunities to help other people find jobs, make connections, and catch up on the news . Small business owners network to develop relationships with people and companies they may do business with in the future. These connections help them establish rapport and trust among people in their own communities. Successful business networking involves regularly following up with contacts to exchange valuable information that may not be readily available outside the network.

Here are some types of networks:

1. Local area network (LAN):

A local area network, or LAN, is the most common network type. It allows users to connect within a short distance in a common area. Once they connect, users have access to the same resources. For example, you might use a LAN when you connect your laptop to the internet at your home and print a document from a printer on the same network.

2. Personal area network (PAN):

A personal area network, or PAN, is a small-scale network that revolves around one person or device. A PAN connects just a few devices in a small localized area. Rather than including many devices, PANs usually operate from one or two main devices. For example, if you use the Bluetooth functionality on your smartphone to share a photo with a nearby device, you're using a PAN.

3.Storage area network (SAN):

A storage area network, or a SAN, is a network that teams use to store mass amounts of sensitive data. It provides a way to centralize data on a non-localized network that differs from the main operating one. One example of a SAN is if your team stores customer information on a separate network to maintain the high speeds of your main network.

4.System -area network (SAN) :

A system area network, or a SAN, is a broad local network that provides connections in clusters. The various devices connected to a SAN operate as a single system. SANs are newly developing networks that operate at high speeds.

5.Storage area network (SAN) :

6.Passive optical local area network (POLAN):

A passive optical local area network, or a POLAN, is a low-cost network that can link various locations to one central network. POLANs have the power to connect multiple entities to one hub of information. For example, if a school district's headquarters needs to connect with each school in its district, it may implement a POLAN.

7.Enterprise private network (EPN):

An enterprise private network, or an EPN, is an exclusive network that businesses build and operate to share company resources at high speeds. EPNs are typically unique to a specific company, which ensures the connection is secure. For example, a high-security technology company might use an EPN to reduce the risk of data breaches.

8. Virtual private network (VPN):

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a private network that's available through the internet. This type of network functions similarly to an EPN because it provides a secure, private connection. VPNs typically don't require the same infrastructure as EPNs. Both the general public and companies can use VPNs to ensure privacy and security.

There are several methods of managing a network, including:

Cloud-based network management: This method of storing information and connecting devices makes use of cloud computing. It's typically available to companies, governments and the general public through the internet.

Converged Network management: This strategy connects multiple devices via the same access switch. It's a traditional method of connecting various wired and wireless devices.

Centralized network management: This strategy is the most common way to implement a new network. It involves connecting devices to a server in a central location.

Online Networking:

Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn provide an online location for people to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share information. And, of course, they provide a place to post a resume that can be seen by prospective employers, to search for jobs, or to identify job candidates . These days, a business-to-business (B2B) customer pipeline can be developed almost entirely through the use of a social networking site. Online networking forums allow professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and connect with like-minded people.
LinkedIn is the largest professional network, but there are many others.
Some cater to particular subsets of people, such as Black Business Women Online. Others have a different focus, such as Meetup, which encourages its members to meet in person off-site or virtually through online video conferences.

Businesses Networking:

Small business owners network to develop relationships with people and companies they may do business with in the future. These connections help them establish rapport and trust among people in their own communities. Successful business networking involves regularly following up with contacts to exchange valuable information that may not be readily available outside the network.
Business owners and entrepreneurs often join their local chamber of commerce to promote their business interests and help others in their community do the same. Networking can help you identify opportunities for collaboration, strategic joint ventures, partnerships, and new areas to expand your business.