Network Types that Connect Computers
By Patkay
Types of Networks
The world of computers is a world made of computers and other networking devices interconnected together with wires while others are interconnected wirelessly to form what we call a network. A computer network is an interconnection of two or more computers in order to share data and peripherals. We have a number of network designs but the 3 main network types are:-
a) Local Area network (LAN)
b) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
c) Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network is a network type comprising of a group of computers and other systems located reasonably close to one another within a given area in such a way that users communicate and share resources e.g. within a college, Cyber Cafe' or an office. A LAN connects computers and network devices over a relatively short distance.
A Local Area Network uses TCP/IP network protocol for communication between computers and other connected peripherals. LANs are the basis of all other types of networks. So if you connect two or more computers in an office, the end result will be a Local Area Network.
Advantages of LAN
- Easy to troubleshoot
- Cheap to install and monitor
- More secure
- Less vulnerable to attenuation
- Low error rates
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
This is a network that covers an entire city or town. This type of network usually makes use of wireless infrastructure or optical fiber connections to link sites. It can be created by connecting several LANs together. For example, it can be a network covering all the police stations in a big city, local government authorities, a college with a number of branches can also interlink their LANs and come up with a Metropolitan Area Network etc.
Advantages
- It enhances easier communication
- It offers a faster passage of data.
Disadvantages
- It is expensive to install and maintain.
- It’s susceptible to tapping.
- It’s susceptible to attenuation (Attenuation is the gradual loss of signal strength as data flows further from the point of origin).
- It has high error rates.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
It’s a type of network design that connects computers across a large geographical area of a city, region and even spans beyond country boundaries. It consists of several sections of LAN’s and MAN’s connected together by devices such as routers.
A WAN transmits information by telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital network) lines, Radio waves, or satellite Microwave. The Internet is the best example of the largest Wide area network as it covers the whole world.
You can read more about Networking on these hubs
- Network Model
The term computer network model defines the category in which a computer network can be grouped into. Networks are divided into two broad categories namely peer to peer and client-server network model. - Computer Network
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKING NETWORKING: -It is the art of connecting two or more computers in order to share peripherals (resources) e.g. printers, faxes, photocopiers, CD ROM, etc. and data.
Conclusion
So the moment you connect two or more computers located reasonably close to one another, you will be creating a LAN. Even when you are to create a MAN or a WAN, you will have to start with a Local Area Network.
You can also check this link from a fellow hubber
- What is LAN (Local Area Network) ?
LAN is acronyms of Local Area Network. LAN is required everywhere, whether it is office home or somewhere else. LAN is a small computer network (small version of internet) covering a small area like home,...
dilipchandra12 13 months ago
Brief reference on Types of Networks, well written. thanks for sharing.