computer network
    n 1: (computer science) a network of computers

	

	network
computer network
networking

    Hardware and software data communication systems.

   The OSI seven layer model attempts to provide a way of
   partitioning any computer network into independent modules
   from the lowest (physical) layer to the highest (application)
   layer.  Many different specifications exist at each of these
   layers.

   Networks are often also classified according to their
   geographical extent: local area network (LAN), metropolitan
   area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN) and also
   according to the protocols used.

   See BITNET, Ethernet, Internet, Novell, PSTN,
   network, the.

   [Tanenbaum, A., "Computer Networks; 2nd ed.", Prentice Hall,
   Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1989.]

   (1995-03-10)