Network: Definition, Features, Types

The most important thing in brief:

What is a network? - Definition and basics

A network describes the connection of multiple devices, systems, or computers together to exchange information and share resources. In an IT context, a network is the backbone of every modern infrastructure — whether in small companies, large corporations or private households. Networks enable data transfer, access to printers, servers, applications, and more.

👉 What are networks? Networks consist of at least two devices (clients) and a transmission medium, often supplemented by network devices such as switches, routers or access points.

You can find more detailed information about this in the article:
➡️ IT network: basics, types & documentation

Key functions of a network in everyday IT life

A well-designed network fulfills a number of key tasks:

• data transmission: Files, emails, databases, and cloud access are provided quickly and securely.
• resource usage: Devices such as printers or storage devices can be shared.
• communications: Tools such as Microsoft Teams or email clients rely on network connections.
• Centralized management: IT administrators can control authorizations and updates in a targeted and efficient manner.

Practical example from corporate IT:

An employee working from home intervenes via WiFi network to a file server in the corporate network. The connection is secured by a VPN — everything orchestrated by the network architecture in the background. Docusnap helps to visually represent the topology and transparently analyze access rights.

Types of networks: From local network to cloud

There are various networks, which differ in scope and purpose:

Local area network (LAN)

A local area network connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as within an office or building.

Local area network meaning: It forms the basis for almost all IT processes within a company. Speed, stability and safety are essential here.

Wireless network (WLAN)

A wireless network, or WiFi network enables wireless communication between devices and access points. It is essential in modern office environments — particularly for mobile workplaces and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) strategies.

Wide area networks (WAN)

WANs connect different sites together, for example via MPLS or SD-WAN. They are essential for companies with multiple branches.

virtual networks

With increasing cloud usage, virtual networks (e.g. in Microsoft Azure or AWS) are being created that enable flexible, scalable infrastructure — often automatically documented by solutions such as Docusnap.

Tip: Also read our blog article”Computer networks — definition, use and implementation in practice“

How does a network work?

A network works through:

1. addressing: Each device gets an IP address.
2. routing: Routers and switches route data packets to the destination.
3. communication protocols: Standards such as TCP/IP govern communication.
4. surety: Firewalls, VLANs, and permissions protect sensitive data.

Visualization with Docusnap:

Docusnap automatically collects network information, recognizes all network devices and generates structured ones from them network plans — ideal for IT audits or security audits. The plans provide both a logical and physical representation of the network structure and can be regenerated on a daily basis as required. Especially in complex IT environments, these visualizations create transparency, promote error analysis and facilitate communication between IT and management.

➡️ Also interesting: Network topologies overview

Practical examples: documenting networks efficiently with Docusnap

• IT asset management: An IT manager uses Docusnap for network documentation to inventory all switches, WLAN access points, and servers.
• network planning: When moving to a new office, the automatically generated network overview serves as the basis for structured cabling and WLAN coverage.
• Safety check: An IT security officer uses Docusnap to analyze all VLANs and check whether sensitive systems are operating in isolated network segments.

Conclusion: Understanding, documenting and optimizing networks

A functioning network is the backbone of every IT infrastructure — be it a wireless network, a local area network or a complex hybrid environment. who wants to understand how a network works, should not only keep an eye on the technology, but also on its structured documentation.

With Docusnap IT managers get a powerful tool to to visualize, analyze and document networks in accordance with the audit — automated, transparent and always up to date.