What might prevent Computer A from seeing Computer B in a network?

The reason why firewall or network configuration issues may prevent Computer A from seeing Computer B in a network is that network devices are designed to filter traffic based on predetermined rules. If a firewall is configured to block certain types of communication or if there is a misconfiguration in the network setup (such as incorrect IP addressing or subnetting), this can impede the visibility of one computer to another. For example, if Computer A and Computer B are configured to be on different network segments with no proper routing in place, Computer A may not be able to access Computer B at all.

In contrast, while different operating systems or brands might present compatibility challenges, they do not inherently prevent visibility in a network. Physical location can influence latency and access, but not the direct ability of devices to see and communicate with each other if they are connected properly within the same network. Thus, network configuration and firewall settings are critical factors that dictate whether devices can see and communicate with one another effectively.