What is a Network and Type of Network?

In information technology, a network is defined as the connection of at least two computer systems, either by a cable or a wireless connection. The simplest network is a combination of two computers connected by a cable. This type of network is called a peer-to-peer network. There is no hierarchy in this network; both participants have equal privileges. Each computer has access to the data of the other device and can share resources such as disk space, applications, or peripheral devices (printers, etc.).

Today’s networks tend to be a bit more complex and don’t just consist of two computers. Systems with more than ten participants usually use client-server networks. In these networks, a central computer (the server) provides resources to the other participants in the network (the clients).

1. Local area network (LAN),
2. Wide area network (WAN),
3. Personal area network (PAN),
4. Metropolitan area network (MAN),
5. Campus area network (CAN),
6. Home area network (HAN),
7. Wireless local area network (WLAN),

1. LAN(Local area network)

A local area network links the devices in a single office, building, or campus (see figure). A LAN can be as simple as two PCs and a printer at your home or office, or it can be spread throughout a company and include voice, sound, and video peripherals. At present, LAN size is restricted to a few kilometres. In brief, we can say that LAN is a digital communication system in which large numbers of computers are interconnected with their associated peripheral cables within a particular geographical area.

 LANs allow resource sharing between personal computers or workstations. The resources are hardware (e.g., a printer), software (e.g., an application program), or data. A common example of a LAN is a workgroup of job-related computers, for example, engineering workstations or departmental PCs. One of the computers has a large disk drive and is set up as a server for the other clients. Software is stored on this central server and used as needed by the whole group.

LANs are distinguished from other type of network, in addition to their size, by their transmission media and topology. A particular LAN typically only employs one kind of transmission medium. Bus, ring, and star topologies for LANs are the most popular. A LAN can transmit data at a rate of up to 100 Mbps.

2. WAN (wide area network)

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that connects users across large distances, often crossing the geographical boundaries of cities or states. In other words, WAN is a digital communication system used nationwide or worldwide. In the type of network, computers and small networks are interconnected via microwaves, without cables but with the help of telephone lines, microwaves, and satellite links.

 WAN can be implemented with the help of private networks as well as public networks. A private network is built for an organization or group of organizations by leasing and constructing telephone lines and a network. On the other hand, public networks are built by government telecommunications agencies. The transmission and switching facilities are shared by several corporations and organizations.

3. PAN (Personal Area Network)

PAN is used to transmit data and infrared information over remote circumstances that are controlled by a single person within a single building. The anectivity range of PAN is up to meters. PANWireless computer keyboards and mice, Bluetooth-enabled headphones, wireless printers, mobile tablets, IPADs, and TV remotes are examples of For example, an Internet hotspot can have up to eight devices connected to it. pot.

4. MAN (Metropolitan area network)

A MAN is a network designed to extend over an entire city. The MAN range is between 10 and 50 miles. This is a network that is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. A MAN may be a single network, like a cable television network, that is formed by connecting a larger number of LANs, e.g., a company using a MAN to connect to the LANs in all of its offices throughout a city.

5. CAN (Campus Area Network)

The campus area network is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. Its boundaries cover a university, large school, or business. It is controlled by the campus tenant or government. The range of the CAN is 1 to 5 kilometers. owner: an enterprise, university, government, etc. The range of the CAN is 1 to 5 kilobits.

6. HAN (Home area network)

A wireless area network (HAN) is a type of network that operates within a small area, typically a home or small office. It connects home digital devices, such as PCs, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, entertainment technology, thermostats, home security systems, and affordable PCs. More people are networking their multiple PCs and network-capable devices to use a single broadband outlet, usually a cable or DSL provider.

7. WLAN (Wireless Local area network)

A wireless LAN, or WLAN, is a wireless local area network for communication over short distances using radio waves. The network’s backbone can range from a single room to an entire campus; one or more wireless access points connect wireless users to the wired network. A WLAN can be built using any of several different wireless network protocols, most commonly eitFi or Bluetooth. Wireless LANs can contain a wide range of devices.

• Mobile phones
• Laptop and tablet computers.
• Internet audio systems.
• Game consoles
• Internet-enabled home appliances