What is a Computer Network?
The Network is the interconnection between two or more Devices (Nodes) is called a network, It is also known as the group of computer Network which is linked together. There are Four important types of networks. It also consists of a collection of computers, printers, scanners, and other devices that are connected together. Networking has a single purpose to share information as fast as possible. The network is used to interact with another device or to share resources over a computer network.
The computer network was designed and developed by ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network), It is a US Defence Agency that designed a network for the defense system in the year 1969. world’s first network was used in the US in 1971. ARPANET designed and developed a computer network to make it easier to access Digital devices such as Computers. It also improves computer equipment and also has a more effective communication system for the US military.
The Networks is mainly divided into three types based on their functions and size. LAN, MAN, and WAN. LAN stands for Local Area Network, MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network and WAN stands for Wide Area Network. PAN stands for Personal Area Network. In Computer Network other types are also available and these are SAN, VPN. SAN stands for Storage Area Network, VPN Stands for Virtual Private Network and
Characteristics of Network
- Resources Sharing
- Communication Speed
- Backup
- Scalability
- reliability
- Software and Hardware Sharing
- Security
Network Devices
Its use to build powerful communication for the user without any interruption, so the user can communicate with other user or share all resources over the network: there are the following network devices,
- Hub
- Switch
- bridge
- Gateway
- Modem
- Router
- Repeater
Types of Network
There are mainly three types of networks based on their size:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
A local Area Network (LAN) is a group of Network Devices(Computer Devices) or a group of peripheral devices within a building or premises like such as a school, laboratory, home, and office building. LAN is a type of networks. we can share Data, Applications, Tools, Programs, and Hardware Devices. This is the easiest type of computer Network to Connect any computer device or peripheral devices. all devices are connected together by a switch or switches, It using private addressing defined by the TCP/IP protocol. LAN will be used as one type of transmission medium. It consists of less than 5000 connected devices in a limited area.
Advantages of Local Area Network
- We can use any software same time over the network so no need to buy multiple software for different devices.
- We can manage all data easily from one place(Computer).
- In LAN data is more secure.
- In all the networks only LAN most use in real life.
- Data or Information of all users can be stored on a single hard disk and also share that hard disk over the LAN.
- You can transfer all resources and data(information) over a Local Network.
- It has a feature to share Internet Connection to Other Computer Devices.
Disadvantages of Local Area Network
- The major disadvantage of Lan, It requires Administration Access all-time for software setup or any issues like hardware failures.
- In LAN the Admin can see all the personal information like personal details, It not provide data privacy.
- It is very costly for installing but it’s cheaper to maintain.
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network is a bigger version of a Local Area Network(LAN), it uses similar technology to LAN. MAN is a type of network. It is designed to connect a large number of devices, and also to connect the whole City, College Campus, or any large campus. It is larger than a LAN and smaller than WANs(wide area networks), It means to connect a number of LANs into a bigger Network Or It can be connected over a single cable. MAN Allows you to cover larger are of a particular city or whole city also.
Advantages of Metropolitan Area Network
- It used Optical fibers cables and other cables in MAN as a Communication Medium.
- It is less expensive to connect MAN with WAN. MAN provides the best efficiency to carry data from one place to another.
- In MAM Data can easily manage from the centre of the network.
- MAN uses fiber optics cable, so the speed of data transfer is up to 1000Mbps.
- On MAN we can send local email fast and free of cost.
Disadvantages of Metropolitan Area Network
- MAN is a very big network, so it becomes difficult to manage networks.
- In MAN their a high chance of hack by hackers, our Data can be secured but we need to have trained staff, who can provide security to the MAN.
- to set up MAN we need to hire technical people that can set up MAN’s network properly.
- More cable is required to connect MAN from one place to another place.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
The Wide Area Network (WAN) is another important Type of Network. WAN is a collection of LAN and Other types of the network which is connected with each other using a router. It is not easy to design and maintain it. WAN covers a larger geographical area compare to LAN, MAN, and another type of network. It is widely used in an Organisation, enterprise, government, and education sector. A WAN can also cover a country or even a whole world using cables or radio waves. With the help of WAN, we are using the Internet.
Advantages of Wide Area Network
- In this type of network, WAN covers a larger area of states, counties, and continents.
- WAN used Satellite, Public Telephone Networks and other also used for communication medium which is connected by routers.
- It allows to sharing of resources and application software to distributed workstations or users. It works similar to LAN.
- Data can be TRansfer very quickly to anyone else on the internet, These Data can be pictures, sounds, files, or many things.
- Everyone can use the Internet by using their mobile or laptop.
Disadvantages of Wide Area Network
- To build a WAN, its initial setup investment costs are higher.
- It is difficult to manage the network. we require a well-skilled technician team, who has proper knowledge of WAN and Network administrators access also.
- Need the best firewall to restrict outsiders’ access and block them.
- require protection from hackers and viruses attacks.
- It needs more time to solve any issue or any errors because multiple wired or wireless technology is used to create WAN.
- WAN provides lower security compared to another type of network.
4. Personal Area Network (PAN)
Personal Area Network is a connection of electronic devices or any computer devices which is connected together. It is also known as a home network, this is an important type of network. In PAN Computer devices are interconnected within the range of a particular area. It is used for communication among computer devices close to one person. PAN may be wired with computer ports(Buses) like USB, network cable and PAN can also made possible with wireless technology such Bluetooth and others.
Advantages of Personal Area Network
- This is the cheapest type of network, PAN connected with local devices such as Mobile Devices, tablets, and laptops also.
- PAN allows us to maintain interconnection of electronic devices at the nearby single user
- We can use PAN as the wireless connection to the internet.
- PAN is much safe and secure.
Disadvantages of Personal Area Network
- It works within a limited area or it works only for home networking purposes.
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