The ICT Lounge

Section 4.3:
The different Types of Networks

There are different types of computer networks and they all have Key Concepts of this section:
their advantages and disadvantages.
# Understand that there are four types of computer
In this section we will discuss the features each type. networks.
# Know the features of each type of computer network.
# Be able to describe the advantages/disadvantages of
each type of computer network.

Types of computer networks Key Words:

LAN, WLAN, WAN, Bluetooth.

# There are four main types of computer networks:

Examples:
LAN (local area networks)
WLAN (wireless local area networks)
WAN (wide area networks)
Bluetooth.

We will discuss the features of each network type, as well as their

advantages/disadvantages below:
A network is just two or more computers joined
together.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

# Local area networks (or LAN's) are usually located in a single room or small building.
Examples:

LAN's are computer networks that are confined to small areas.

# An example of a LAN would be a school network. The computers on the network would
be confined to a classroom or the school.

# LAN's are private and can only be accessed by people in the room or the building.

For example:
A school network is only used by students who attend the school. A LAN consists of several computers connected
together in order to share resources.
(click to zoom)
# A typical LAN would consist of several computers that are connected to each other and
can share resources such as printers and scanners.

# Computers and devices on a LAN are connected using cables.

Advantages and disadvantages of LAN's:

Advantages of LAN's Disadvantages of LAN's

Saves money as each computer on the Viruses can spread around LAN's very
LAN can share resources. quickly.
LAN's are confined to one room or a small building.
(For example - you only need to buy one (This is because the computers are all
printer because it can be shared between joined together - if one computer gets
all the computers on the network) infected, the other are at risk)

Files and data can be shared easily. Security can be an issue.

(Like the shared drive on a school (If one computer is hacked into, the other
network) computers on the network can also be
accessed)

Files and data can be accessed from any The network can become unusable if the
computer on the network. main server computer breaks down.

(For example - it doesn't matter which (You won't be able to log onto any of the
computer in the school you log onto, you client computers on the network) LAN's allow networked computers to share resources
can access your work files) (like printers).

Data (like emails) can be sent around a Slow internet connections.

LAN very fast.
(All of the computers on the network share
(The cables that connect the computers the same internet connection. This can
can handle very fast data transfer) make it slow for users)

LAN's can be monitored easily. Initial cost of installing the LAN is high.

(Network managers can check people's (Buying cables and equipment etc)
internet usage or change passwords etc)

LAN's allow network managers to monitor users (like

checking internet usage and passwords).

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)

# WLAN's are similar to LAN's but they connect computers together wirelessly instead of
using cables Examples:

This is achieved using Wi-Fi technology.

# Routers or wireless switches are used to send and receive data around the network.

# Client computers or devices send and receive data using wireless adaptors.

Most modern laptops, tablets and mobile phones come with built-in Wi-Fi WLAN's use wireless technology instead of cables to
adaptors. connect computers and devices to the network.
(click to zoom)

# A typical router can send/receive data to/from computers up to 50 metres away.

Note:
Most home networks are WLAN's. They use a router to allow several computers or
devices to use the same internet connection.

Advantages and disadvantages of WLAN's:

Advantages of WLAN's Disadvantages of WLAN's

Physically safer than a LAN because Some areas in the building may not pick
there are no cables to trip over. up the wireless signal. A router can be used to send/receive data wirelessly
to/from devices on the network.
(This means that computers or devices
may not connect to the network from
certain locations)

Cheaper to set up than a WLAN because Security can be an issue as anyone with
you don't have to buy lots of expensive a wireless enabled device can try to access
cables. the network.

(It's very important the network is secured

with an encrypted password)

Easier to add more computers to the Wireless signals can be unreliable as they
network. sometimes suffer from interference from
other electronic equipment.
(All they need is a wireless adaptor and
they can then communicate with other (Cables used on LAN's are far more
computers on the network) reliable)

Devices such as printers and scanners Data transfer around a wireless network Devices outside of the router's wireless range limit will
can be connected to the network easily. is much slower compared to a LAN. not be able to connect to the network.

(Some printers/scanners have built-in

wireless adaptors)

Computers and devices can be used WLAN's can be useless for use in a large
anywhere in the building. building as the signal range is limited.

(As long as they are in range of the (Computers can typically communicate
network's router) with the router up to about 50 metres)

Any wi-fi enabled devices can connect to a wireless

network. (click to zoom)

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

# Wide area networks are made up of computers and devices that are connected over a
large geographical area. Examples:

The internet is the world's largest WAN.

The internet is just millions of computers all over the world that have been
connected together so they can share data.

# WAN's are created by connecting lots of LAN's and individual computers together.

Every time you switch on your Wi-Fi connection or access mobile data (on your
phone), you are connecting your device or computer to a WAN.
WAN's are lots of networks and computers connected
together over a large area. (click to zoom)

# Computers and devices can connect to a WAN using telephone lines, fibre-optic cables
and satellite signals.

# In order to connect your computer to a WAN you also need a router or a modem.

Routers and modems allow your computer to send/receive data to/from other
computers on the WAN.

Computers and devices can connect to a WAN using

routers, cables or even satellite signals.
Advantages and disadvantages of WAN's:

Advantages of WAN's Disadvantages of WAN's

Computers can be connected over wide Security can be an issue as anyone with
areas. access to the internet can potentially
access any of the computers on the
(Across cities or even continents) network.

(Computers on the network need to be

secured with a firewall and important files
The internet is the world's largest WAN. It is millions of
should be encrypted) computers and devices linked together all over the
world.
Files and data can be shared over a It's very easy to accidentally download
large area. viruses from a WAN onto your computer.

(You need to make sure that your

computer is protected with up-to-date
anti-virus)

People can use their computers/devices to Data is transferred across a WAN at a

communicate very quickly, over large much slower rate than it is across a LAN.
areas.
(Download speeds are limited)
(Sending emails, discussion forums, video
conferencing etc.)
Transferring files across a WAN can be slow.
E-Commerce (shopping) websites can be Monitoring a WAN can be difficult
set up and accessed by people from all because they have so many computers
over the world. connected to them.

(This allows people with disabilities to (This means that inappropriate content
purchase items online and have them may be uploaded)
delivered to their door)

Computers and devices can be used

anywhere in the building.

(As long as they are in range of the Computers connected to a WAN are more at risk of
network's router) security risks like viruses and hackers.

Bluetooth (WPAN)
 # Bluetooth is also known as a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Examples:
# Bluetooth devices can connect to each other from between 1 and 100 metres away.

The connection is made without using wires or cables.

Bluetooth uses radio waves to transmit data.

# Once two devices are connected with bluetooth, you can transfer files and data between
them up to the maximum range of 100 metres.

Note: Bluetooth networks are known as 'personal networks'

because devices have to be close together in order to
Devices which can make use of bluetooth include: connect. (click to zoom)

Mobile phones Tablets Wireless Mouse Wireless Speakers

Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth: Bluetooth devices connect together wirelessly up to a

range of 10 metres.

Advantages of Bluetooth Disadvantages of Bluetooth

Very easy to connect bluetooth devices Limited signal range.

together.
(With the normal signal range limit of only
(you just switch on your bluetooth and 10 metres, the two devices need to be
wait for the devices to pair) close-by to connect)

Bluetooth signals are not easily to Slow data transfer. Bluetooth is not
disrupt. suitable for transferring large files.

(They aren't easily affected by other (Bluetooth cannot transfer data between
electrical devices like Wi-Fi can be) devices as fast as Wi-Fi.)

Works wirelessly so there are no messy Very unsecure connections and easy for Bluetooth transfer speeds are very slow.
cables needed to connect devices. hackers to break into.

(Bluetooth is not as secure as Wi-Fi and

Bluetooth uses very little power. makes it unsuitable for transferring
sensitive or private data)
(This means that using bluetooth won't
drain your devices battery quickly)

Activity!
Different Types of Networks - Research Sheet Bluetooth connections are not very secure and easy for
hackers to break into.
Click the above task and answer the questions about
the 4 different types of computer networks.

Previous - Types of Computers Next - Network Devices

on a Network

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Links to Theory Units:

Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Networks and the Effects of using them Section 5: The Effects of using ICT Section 6: ICT Applications
Section 7: The Systems Life Cycle Section 8: Safety and Security Section 9: Audience
Section 10: Communication

Links to Practical Units:

Section 11: File Management Section 12: Images Section 13: layout
Section 14: Styles Section 15: Proofing Section 16: Graphs and Charts
Section 17: Document Production Section 18: Data Manipulation Section 19: Presentations
Section 20: Data Analysis Section 21: Website Authoring

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