Computer Network Types
A computer network consists of interconnected computers that facilitate
communication, resource sharing, data exchange, and the use of applications
among the connected devices.
Computer networks can be categorized based on their size. The primary types
of computer networks include:
- LAN(Local Area Network)
- MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
- WAN(Wired Area Network)
- PAN(Personal Area Network)
LAN(Local Area Network)
- A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers within a small geographical area, such as a building or office.
- LANs use communication mediums like twisted pair cables or coaxial cables to connect devices.
- They are cost-effective, employing affordable hardware such as hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables.
- Data transfer within a LAN occurs at very high speeds.
- LANs offer enhanced security measures.
PAN(Personal Area Network)
- A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network organized around an individual, typically within a range of 10 meters.
- PANs are used to connect personal devices, such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, media players, and gaming consoles.
- The concept of the Personal Area Network was first introduced by research scientist Thomas Zimmerman.
- A PAN typically covers an area of about 30 feet.
There are two types of Personal Area Network(PAN)
- Wired Personal Area Network
- Wireless Personal Area Network
Wired Personal Area Network (WPAN): A WPAN is created using USB
connections.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN):A WPAN is established using
wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. It is designed for
short-range communication.
Examples of Personal Area Networks:
Body Area Network: A Body Area Network moves with a person.
For instance, a mobile network travels with its user. This type of
network allows a person to establish a connection and share information
with another device.
Offline Network: Also known as a home network, an offline
network is set up within a home. It integrates devices such as printers,
computers, and televisions but does not connect to the internet.
Small Home Office: This network connects various devices to the
internet and to a corporate network using a VPN, facilitating both
personal and professional use.
WAN(Wide Area Network)
- A Wide Area Network (WAN) encompasses a vast geographical area, spanning states or even countries.
- Compared to LANs, WANs are significantly larger networks.
- WANs transcend single locations, extending over extensive geographical regions via telephone lines, fiber optic cables, or satellite links.
- The internet stands as one of the largest WANs globally.
- WANs find widespread use in business, government, and educational sectors.
Example of Wide Area Network
Mobile Broadband: 4G networks are extensively utilized throughout
regions or entire countries.
Last Mile: Telecommunication companies deploy internet services
to customers in numerous cities by connecting their homes with fiber
optics.
Private Network: A bank establishes a private network
linking its 44 offices. This network is established using telephone
leased lines provided by a telecom company.
Advantage of Wide Area Network
Geographical Reach: Wide Area Networks (WANs) cover expansive
geographical areas, enabling connectivity between offices in different
cities. The internet facilitates this connection through leased lines.
Centralized Data: With WAN networks, data is centralized,
eliminating the need for individual purchases of email, file, or backup
servers.
Real-time Updates: Software companies operate on live servers,
ensuring programmers receive updated files within seconds.
Fast Message Exchange: WAN networks facilitate rapid message
transmission, evident in web applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, and
Skype, enabling swift communication with friends.
Resource Sharing: Within WAN networks, software and resources
such as hard drives and RAM can be shared among connected offices.
Global Business: WANs enable global business operations over the
internet.
High Bandwidth: Utilizing leased lines in WAN infrastructure
provides high bandwidth, enhancing data transfer rates and consequently,
boosting company productivity.
Disadvantage of Wide Area Network
Security Concerns: WAN networks pose greater security challenges
compared to LANs and MANs due to the amalgamation of various
technologies, increasing the risk of security breaches.
Firewall and Antivirus Requirement: Data transmitted over the
internet is susceptible to alteration or hacking, necessitating the use
of firewalls. Additionally, antivirus software is essential to safeguard
against potential virus injections.
High Installation Expenses: Setting up a WAN network incurs
significant costs, involving the procurement of routers and switches.
Troubleshooting Complexity: Due to its extensive coverage area,
troubleshooting issues within a WAN network can be challenging.
MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
- A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) spans a larger geographic area by interconnecting multiple LANs to create a more extensive network.
- Government agencies use MANs to connect with citizens and private industries.
- In a MAN, various LANs are linked through telephone exchange lines.
- Common protocols used in MANs include RS-232, Frame Relay, ATM, ISDN, OC-3, and ADSL.
- MANs have a broader range than Local Area Networks (LANs).
Uses of Metropolitan Area Network
- MAN is utilized for communication between banks within a city.
- It finds application in Airline Reservation systems.
- MAN facilitates communication within colleges situated in a city.
- It is also employed for military communication purposes.
Internetwork
- An internetwork refers to the connection of two or more computer network LANs, WANs, or network segments through devices, configured with a local addressing scheme, known as internetworking.
- Internetworking encompasses the interconnection of public, private, commercial, industrial, or government computer networks.
- Internetworking relies on the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.
- The reference model commonly employed for internetworking is the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
Types of Internetwork
Extranet:
An extranet operates on the Internet Protocol, including Transmission
Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, facilitating information exchange.
Access to the extranet is restricted to users with login credentials. It
serves as the basic level of internetworking and can be classified as MAN,
WAN, or other network types. Unlike a LAN, an extranet requires at least one
connection to an external network.
Intranet:
An intranet is a private network operating on the Internet Protocol, such as
Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, exclusively accessible
to an organization's employees or members. Its primary purpose is to
facilitate information and resource sharing among employees. Intranets
support group collaboration and teleconferencing functionalities.
Advantage of Internet
Communication:
Intranets offer cost-effective and straightforward communication channels.
Employees within the organization can easily connect with one another
through email and chat functions.
Time Efficiency:
Real-time information sharing on the intranet saves valuable time, ensuring
swift dissemination of updates and data.
Collaboration:
An intranet fosters collaboration by facilitating the distribution of
information among authorized users within the organization, enhancing
teamwork and productivity.
Platform Neutrality:
Intranets operate on neutral architectures, allowing seamless connectivity
between computers and devices with varying architectures.
Cost Savings:
Accessing data and documents via browsers and distributing duplicate copies
through the intranet reduces costs, making operations more economical.
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