Computer networks allow interconnected computers to work together. They can be used for business applications using a client-server model, home networking, by mobile users, and raise social issues. The document discusses different types of network hardware including local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, home networks, and internetworks. It also covers network software including protocol hierarchies, connection-oriented vs. connectionless services, service primitives, and the relationship between services and protocols.
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