A computer network is a system of computers that are interconnected and can exchange information. The term “network” can refer to the physical connections between computers, or to the logical relationships between components in a system.
Computer networks can be categorized according to their scope or scale. A local area network (LAN) consists of a small number of computers connected together in a single location, such as an office or home. A wide area network (WAN) interconnects computer networks across large geographical areas, often using public telecommunications infrastructure such as the telephone system or the Internet.
The Internet is the largest global computer network, connecting millions of computers around the world. It is based on a standard protocol called TCP/IP that allows different types of computers and networks to interconnect and communicate with each other.
Computer networks can be used for a variety of purposes, including file sharing, printers and faxes sharing, and even video conferencing. In recent years, wireless technologies have become increasingly popular as they allow greater flexibility in how computer networks can be deployed.
Types of computer networks
There are several types of computer networks, including Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Storage Area Networks (SANs) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Each type of network has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Local Area Networks (LANs)
A local area network is a computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves. A LAN typically uses specialised networking hardware, such as Ethernet cards or Wi-Fi adapters, to connect computers and devices.
Advantages:
-LANs are relatively easy to set up and maintain.
-LANs offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-LANs can be used to share resources, such as printers and files.
Disadvantages:
-The geographical area covered by a LAN is limited.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the LAN.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)
A metropolitan area network is a computer network that spans a city or metropolitan region. MANs are typically used to connect multiple LANs in a single urban or suburban area. A MAN typically uses high-speed point-to-point links, such as optical fibre or microwave, to connect LANs.
Advantages:
-MANs can cover a large geographical area.
-MANs offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-MANs can be used to share resources, such as printers and files.
Disadvantages:
-The cost of setting up and maintaining a MAN can be high.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the MAN.
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
A wide area network is a computer network that covers a large geographical area, such as a country or the entire world. WANs are typically used to connect multiple LANs or MANs. A WAN typically uses high-speed point-to-point links, such as optical fibre or microwave, to connect LANs or MANs.
Advantages:
-WANs can cover a very large geographical area.
-WANs offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-WANs can be used to share resources, such as printers and files.
Disadvantages:
-The cost of setting up and maintaining a WAN can be high.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the WAN.
Storage Area Networks (SANs)
A storage area network is a computer network that is dedicated to storing and accessing data. SANs are typically used in enterprise environments to improve storage performance and reliability. A SAN typically uses high-speed point-to-point links, such as optical fibre or Fibre Channel, to connect storage devices.
Advantages:
-SANs can offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-SANs can be used to share storage resources, such as disks and tapes.
-SANs can improve storage performance and reliability.
Disadvantages:
-The cost of setting up and maintaining a SAN can be high.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the SAN.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A virtual private network is a computer network that uses public networks, such as the Internet, to provide secure and private connections. VPNs are typically used by organisations to extend their private network over a public network. VPNs use various technologies, such as encryption, to provide security and privacy.
Advantages:
-VPNs can be used to connect multiple LANs or MANs.
-VPNs offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-VPNs can be used to share resources, such as printers and files.
Disadvantages:
-The cost of setting up and maintaining a VPN can be high.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the VPN.
Wireless Networks
A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless communication to connect computers and devices. Wireless networks are typically used in home and small office/home office (SOHO) environments. Wireless networks use various technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to provide wireless connectivity.
Advantages:
-Wireless networks are relatively easy to set up and maintain.
-Wireless networks offer high data transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
-Wireless networks can be used to share resources, such as printers and files.
Disadvantages:
-The geographical area covered by a wireless network is limited.
-A failure in the network hardware or software can affect all users on the wireless network.
