What are types of Computer Network?

Network can be defined in different ways:

Group of computers and other devices such as printer, connected by a communication link enabling all the devices to interact with each other and share applications, data and hardware components.

Consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

In information technology, a network is a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths.

Allows computers to exchange data.

In the world of computers, networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software.

Network can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans.

Some of the different networks based on size are:

1. Personal Area Network, or PAN:-

PAN is a computer network organized around an individual person within a single building.

This could be inside a small office or residence.

A typical PAN would include one or more computers, telephones, peripheral devices, video game consoles and other personal entertainment devices.

If multiple individuals use the same network within a residence, the network is sometimes referred to as a home area network, or HAN.

In a very typical setup, a residence will have a single wired Internet connection connected to a modem. This modem then provides both wired and wireless connections for multiple devices.

The network is typically managed from a single computer but can be accessed from any device.

2. Local Area Network, or LAN:-

Larger than PAN.

consists of computer network at a single site, typically an individual office building.

very useful for sharing resources, such as data storage and printers.

LANs can be built with relatively inexpensive hardware, such as hubs, network adapters and Ethernet cables.

can accommodate thousands of computers.

mostly connected by wires for increased speed and security, but wireless connections can also be part of a LAN. High speed and relatively low cost are the defining characteristics of LANs.

LANs are typically used for single sites where people need to share resources among themselves but not with the rest of the outside world. Think of an office building where everybody should be able to access files on a central server or be able to print a document to one or more central printers.

If a local area network, or LAN is entirely wireless, it is referred to as a wireless local area network, or WLAN.

3. Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN:-

Larger than LAN

consists of a computer network across an entire city, college campus or small region.

Depending on the configuration, this type of network can cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.

is often used to connect several LANs together to form a bigger network. When this type of network is specifically designed for a college campus, it is sometimes referred to as a campus area network, or CAN.

4. Wide Area Network, or WAN:-

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a broad area (i.e., any telecommunications network that links across metropolitan, regional, national or international boundaries) using leased telecommunication lines. Business and government entities use WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location.

Cover largest area i.e, all over the world.

Large network of connected computers (anywhere in the world).

Connected with the help various communication facilities such as phone service, satellite transmission etc.

Internet is best example of WAN.

Milan Tomic

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