how do computers and routers communicate?

Marcelle Vanlith: Computer networks can also be classified according to the hardware and software technology that is used to interconnect the individual devices in the network, such as Optical fiber, Ethernet Card, Wireless LAN, HomePNA, or Power line communication.Ethernet uses physical wiring to connect devices. Frequently deployed devices include hubs, switches, bridges and/or routers.Wireless LAN technology is designed to connect devices without wiring. These devices use radio waves or infrared signals as a transmission medium.Network topologyMain article: Network topologyComputer networks may be classified according to the network topology upon which the network is based, such as bus network, star network, ring network, mesh network, star-bus network, tree or hierarchical topology network. Network topology signifies the way in which devices in the network see their logical relations to one another. The use of the term "logical" here is significant. That is, network t! opology is independent of the "physical" layout of the network. Even if networked computers are physically placed in a linear arrangement, if they are connected via a hub, the network has a Star topology, rather than a bus topology. In this regard the visual and operational characteristics of a network are distinct; the logical network topology is not necessarily the same as the physical layout. Networks may be classified based on the method of data used to convey the data, these include digital and analog networks.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network...Show more