A computer network is a group of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, routers, switches, and other network-enabled devices, that communicate and share resources with each other. Computer networks can be categorized into two types, namely, local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
2. CONTENT
• Introduction
• Four Main Types of Computer Networks
• Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
3. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS
• A computer network is a group of interconnected devices, such as
computers, servers, routers, switches, and other network-enabled
devices, that communicate and share resources with each other.
Computer networks can be categorized into two types, namely,
local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
• A LAN is a network that is confined to a small geographic area,
such as a home, office, or school, whereas a WAN covers a larger
geographic area, such as a city, state, or country. A LAN typically
uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology, while a WAN may use
technologies such as fiber-optic cables, satellite, or microwave
transmission.
4. FOUR MAIN TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
• Personal Area Network ( PAN )
• Local Area Network ( LAN )
• Metropolitan Area Network ( MAN )
• Wide Area Network ( WAN )
5. PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)
• A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a type of computer network
used for communication between personal devices within a
short range, typically within a few meters. A PAN may consist
of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or any other personal
device that supports wireless communication.
• PANs are usually created using wireless technologies such as
Bluetooth, ZigBee, or NFC (Near Field Communication).
Bluetooth, in particular, is a widely used technology for PANs,
as it is capable of supporting multiple types of devices and
offers a range of up to 10 meters.
6. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that connects devices
within a limited geographical area, such as a building, office, or campus.
The devices connected to a LAN can include computers, servers, printers,
and other network-enabled devices.
• LANs typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology to transmit data
between devices, and they may be connected to a larger network or the
Internet via a router or gateway. LANs can be used to share resources
such as files and printers, and to enable communication between
devices.
• LANs can be found in many different environments, such as homes,
offices, schools, and hospitals. They are generally considered to be faster,
more secure, and more reliable than wide area networks (WANs) which
are used to connect devices across longer distances, such as between
cities or countries.
7. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
• A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a type of computer
network that spans a metropolitan area, typically a city or large
campus. It can be used to connect devices within a single
building or across multiple buildings in a campus-like setting.
• MANs are typically larger than Local Area Networks (LANs) and
smaller than Wide Area Networks (WANs). They can cover an
area of several miles, with connection speeds that range from
several megabits per second to several gigabits per second.
• Some common technologies used in MANs include Ethernet,
Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM). MANs can be connected to the Internet
through a router or gateway device, which provides access to
external networks and resources.
8. WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
• A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans a large
geographical area and connects multiple local area networks
(LANs). It is designed to transmit data over long distances and
typically covers a broad geographic area, such as a city,
country, or even across multiple countries.
• WANs can be established using a variety of technologies,
including satellite links, leased lines, or packet-switched
networks like the Internet. These technologies allow different
computers and devices to communicate with each other and
share resources, even if they are located far apart.
• One of the key benefits of a WAN is that it enables businesses
to connect multiple locations and remote workers to each
other, making it easier for them to collaborate and share
information. It also allows organizations to centralize their IT
resources and provides access to cloud-based applications
and services.
