If you are surrounded by the terms namely WAN, LAN, repeater in computer network, switches, bridges in the computer network, Intranet and other related concepts you are surely in the learning process of computer networking.
A computer network is basically defined as so many interconnected devices or networks that are mainly represented by the network nodes, shared information or data resources.
There are various types of computer networks available for the convenience of users. Depending on your needs, you can choose the network. But before that, you need to know about these networks, their features, benefits and usage.
Learn the knits and grits about these networks with this blog post!
Read on!
Computer networks - an overview
Computer network is defined as a cluster or group of computers that are connected to each other through shared communication paths. They follow some communication protocols over the digital interconnections with the motive to share several resources with network nodes.
A network can be small where just one system is involved. It can also be large with several nodes which includes personal computers, networking hardware, servers and general host.
Types of computer networks
There are several types of computer networks available for the users. Their classification is basically done in accordance to their purpose and size. The size of a network is generally determined by its geographical area or the number of computers in that network.
Below, we have compiled some of the most commonly used computer networks:
PAN or Personal Area Network
PAN or personal area network is touted as a computer network that is formed around a particular person. This mainly includes computer, mobile and digital assistance.
PAN is considered as the network that operates on the limited space as most of them are wireless and only provide short-term connectivity with that of infrared technology. But you can choose from the wired and wireless options.
The best example of this would be the user connected bluetooths like handsets and the smartphones where you can use it conveniently.
It can also be used for establishing a well formed communication among several personal devices that connects a digital network with that of an internet.
Several important characteristics of a PAN network are:
It is touted mainly as a personal device network that is equipped with that of a limited area
It also allows us to manage the interconnection of several IT devices that surrounds a user
It includes mobiles, tablets and computers
This is a wireless network that is connected with the help of WPAN
Various benefits of this network:
Most devices that are connected with a PAN are small or can easily be transported
Its ability to form certain connection between any two devices in the PAN without additional wiring is considered less expensive than the wired network
This network also guarantee some stable connectivity in between the devices that have minimum 10 m range.
LAN or Local Area Network
Local area network is defined as the system of networks where your computer and other devices are interconnected at one common location. While your PAN devices basically are around an individual, LANs scope generally ranges from a few metres of your home to thousands of meters in a company.
The network topology in this case will determine how far your devices will be connected to that of the LAN. Wired LAN is touted to be more secure and a reliable option in comparison to that of physical cables like wireless routers, ethernet, repeaters in computer networks and switches.
Benefits of using LAN are:
Resource sharing is a key reason for setting this network. As more devices will be connected to that of each other, they can easily share files, data or software
Network data is better stored at the centralised location where all the devices will be interconnected. Devices can easily receive permission to connect with that of the networks
The cable offers fast transmission speed that will automatically enhances the rate of your communication
MAN or Metropolitan Area Network
This network is basically connected with several LANs in the city, town or municipality. It also uses various wired and wireless options like fibre optics, Wifi or cellular.
The basic purpose of having MAN is to have an integrated network at various locations. Government bodies also configure MAN for providing public network connectivity to all its users. Certain municipalities also offer free public wifi to its city residents.
Benefits of using MAN network are:
It span across entire town or city with wonderful network connectivity
MAN uses a fixed standard to enhance the bandwidth capacity or frequency levels for boosting the overall network performance
It is known to offer high-speed connectivity as it offers safe and secure data rates
Campus network
Also known as the campus area network, it is interconnected or dispersed with the LAN. Just like MAN, this network can extend its coverage for building close proximity with other networks.
The ideal geographical range of the campus network varies from 1 km to 5 km while that of the MAN can extend till 50 kms. The network administrators usually set this network for creating large networks to cover schools and universities.
Benefits of using this network are:
As these networks generally cover small geographical areas. Hence, their infrastructure cost is comparatively less
As compared to the MAN, these networks are easy to set up or manage as there is less ground to cover with that of few devices
Organisations and other universities also have the campus networks as they can set up free hotspots in the areas having high volume so as to get easy network access.
Wrapping Up
In computer networks you will encounter many concepts like repeaters in computer networks, switches, bridge in computer networks, LAN , WAN and several other concepts.
In this blog, we have discussed computer networks and their types so that you can choose the network of your choice and needs.
You can take cues from this blog to get better information!