A communication network is a system or structure that enables the transfer and flow of information between entities, which are often called nodes. These nodes can be people, computers, telephones, or other devices capable of sending, receiving, or forwarding information. The connections between these nodes, known as links, facilitate the communication and data exchange within the network

. Communication networks can be found in various contexts, including organizations where they represent the patterns or paths through which information flows among individuals, teams, or departments. These networks can be formal-defined by organizational hierarchies and official channels like memos and emails-or informal, involving casual conversations and social interactions

. Key characteristics of communication networks include:

• Nodes: The points in the network that send, receive, or relay information (e.g., employees, computers, telephones)

• Links: The communication channels or connections that carry messages between nodes, which may be wired or wireless

• Flow of Information: The network regulates how information moves, which can be unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional depending on the network type

• Protocols: Rules that govern how data is transmitted to ensure efficient and accurate communication

• Types of Networks: Common structures include star, chain, wheel, circle, and all-channel networks, each defining a different pattern of communication flow within an organization

In telecommunications, a communication network involves interconnected nodes exchanging messages through various switching methods (circuit, message, or packet switching), supporting systems like the Internet, telephone networks, and wireless communications

. Overall, communication networks are essential for coordinating activities, sharing information, and maintaining efficient operations in both social and technological systems