Research in computer networks focuses on both physical and virtual communication networks and the protocols that enable information exchange. Research in the physical domain includes electrical, optical and wireless networks that may reside on- or off-chip. Research in virtual networks focuses on using software to create a logical network that may differ from that of the physical network in order to improve performance, increase security, allow better network management, etc. The many layers of modern computer networks are all tied together through these different communication protocols.
