Communication, whether it is between humans, animals or computers, involves the transfer of information. In the past few decades, communication technology has increased a lot. Computers are becoming smaller and more powerful. The merger of computer and communication technology has a profound effect on how to organize computer systems. The old model of single powerful computer serving all the computing needs of an organization has been replaced by a large number of small and autonomous computers interacting with each other. These systems are called computer networks.
Due to the tremendous impact of computers and networks on society over the past few decades, this period has been called "Information Age". The use of computer networks has significantly increased the productivity and profitability of people and businesses.
