Types of Computer Networks

You are aware that the term "computer network" refers to a collection of computers that are networked together or to computers that are connected to one another through some kind of communication system.

A network can refer to anything from a small group of linked computers to a chain of a few hundred computers of various types, such as PCs (personal computers), minis, mainframes, and so on, spread around the world. A network can also refer to a chain of people who share information over the internet. As a result, networks range greatly in terms of scale, complexity, and geographic reach.

In general, computers are divided into different categories according to the regions in which they are used. The following are the four primary categories of computer networks that are described here:

Local Area Network (LAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)

Let us now briefly describe each of the four major types of computer networks listed above, beginning with "local area networks."

Local Area Network

Small computer networks that are restricted to a localized area are known as local area networks (LANs). Examples of localized areas include an office, a building, a factory, and so on.

The purpose of a LAN

Local area networks are designed with the primary purpose of making it possible for their users to share resources.

Sharing of both software and hardware resources is possible through the use of local area networks. Users of a LAN, for instance, are able to share a variety of resources, including data, information, programs, printers, hard discs, and modems.

LAN Configuration

One of the computers on a typical local area network is set aside to act as the network's file server. It stores all of the software that controls the network as well as all of the software that the computers that are connected to the network can share with one another. Additionally, it stores the software that can be shared by those computers.

The term "workstation" refers to any computer that is linked to the central server that stores files. It's possible that the workstations have less processing power than the file server, and it's also possible that they have additional software stored on their respective hard drives.

Metropolitan Area Network

The networks that span the entirety of a city are known as metropolitan area networks. For example, cable TV networks that cover a metropolitan area can be referred to as "metropolitan area networks."

The purpose of a MAN

In addition to its other functions, MAN's primary objective is to make it easier for its users to exchange software and hardware resources with one another.

Wide Area Network

Networks that span more than one country are referred to as wide-area networks.

A wide area network, also known as a WAN, is essentially a collection of computers that are geographically dispersed but are still connected to one another.

A local area network (LAN) can be considered part of a wide area network (WAN) if it is part of a collection of smaller LANs that are interconnected in such a way that they give the appearance of being part of a single, larger LAN.

Networks of Area Networks (WANs) are used to connect computers so that they can share information in a timely and effective manner at reduced costs and increased speeds.

The telephone system is one example of a public network that may be used to connect computers that are part of a wide area network (WAN). It's also possible for them to be connected via leased lines or satellites in some instances.

The Internet is currently the most extensive wide-area network that is available.

Personal Area Network

A personal area network, also known as a PAN, is the name given to the interconnection of information technology devices that are located within 10 metres of a single person. For instance, let's say you are going on a trip with a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable printer, all of which are capable of communicating with one another through the utilization of a wireless technology such as Wi-Fi without the need to plug anything in. The vast majority of the time, this type of private area network is also capable of connecting wirelessly to the Internet or to other networks.

You can use personal area networks (PANs) to transfer files, such as email and calendar appointments, digital photos, music, and videos, etc., from portable devices to your personal computer (PC), such as your phone or tablet. You can also transfer files from your PC to portable devices, such as your phone or tablet.