Application layers are the fundamental reason why computer networks are in existence. Applications can be divided into three layers; networks help spread these layers out.

There are a few different types of networks that can operate to split up the workload. Learn not only how networks work on a local scale, but how the network model applies to terminals and the Internet.

Computers on a network communicate by sending each other messages in packets, like mail, aboard the network. Take a look at how computers pass each other messages, and then try it for yourself with a fun game.

Computers communicate over a network through networking software and operating systems. Applications communicate via application programming interfaces, or API.

Middleware is a layer of hardware and software that allows communication between applications and platforms of different types. This is especially important in distributed computing because computers need to communicate with each other.

How do distributed systems communicate with each other so fluently? Remote procedural call and distributed objects allow them to get half the job done, but only if the rules they follow are set by specifications, like the distributed computing environment.

Parallel processing is almost like distributed computing, except on a smaller scale, taking multiple processors in one machine.