Computer Networks:

A computer network is a collection of interconnected independent devices that can share

resources, information and exchange data. The integration of these different devices
allows users to communicate with each other efficiently using certain protocols (rules)
over different mediums like cables (wired networks) or wireless signals (wireless networks).

devices (computers, servers, routers, etc.)

 Devices
These can include computers, servers, printers, scanners, and file storage
devices.
 Connections
These can be established using cables or wireless media.
 Communication
Devices use communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol, and Hypertext Transfer Protocol, to exchange data.
 Benefits
Computer networks can increase productivity and efficiency, and they can also be
cost-effective, flexible, and secure.
Computer networks can be small, like two laptops connected by an
Ethernet cable, or large, like the internet. The internet is a global system of
computer networks.

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN is the most basic type of computer network. It is a type of network
designed to connect devices within a short range, typically around one
person. It allows your personal devices, like smartphones, tablets,
laptops, and wearables, to communicate and share data with each other.
PAN offers a network range of 1 to 100 meters from person to device
providing communication. Its transmission speed is very high with very
easy maintenance and very low cost. This
uses Bluetooth, IrDA, and Zigbee as technology. Examples of PAN are
USB, computer, phone, tablet, printer, PDA, etc.
 Personal Area Network (PAN)

Types of PAN
 Wireless Personal Area Networks: Wireless Personal Area Networks are
created by simply utilising wireless technologies such as WiFi and
Bluetooth. It is a low-range network.
 Wired Personal Area Network: A wired personal area network is
constructed using a USB.
Advantages of PAN
 PAN is relatively flexible and provides high efficiency for short network
ranges.
 It needs easy setup and relatively low cost.
 It does not require frequent installations and maintenance
 It is easy and portable.
 Needs fewer technical skills to use.
Disadvantages of PAN
 Low network coverage area/range.
 Limited to relatively low data rates.
 Devices are not compatible with each other.
 Inbuilt WPAN devices are a little bit costly.
Applications of PAN
 Home and Offices
 Organizations and the Business sector
 Medical and Hospital
 School and College Education
 Military and Defense
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is a computer network
that connects computers through a common communication path,
contained within a limited area, that is, locally. A LAN encompasses two
or more computers connected over a server. The two important
technologies involved in this network are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It ranges up
to 2km & transmission speed is very high with easy maintenance and low
cost. Examples of LAN are networking in a home, school, library,
laboratory, college, office, etc.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Advantages of a LAN
 Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body
controls it, giving it a privacy.
 High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and
data transfer rate comparatively to WAN.
 Supports different transmission mediums: LAN support a variety of
communications transmission medium such as an Ethernet cable (thin
cable, thick cable, and twisted pair), fiber and wireless transmission.
 Inexpensive and Simple: A LAN usually has low cost, installation,
expansion and maintenance and LAN installation is relatively easy to
use, good scalability.
Disadvantages of LAN
 The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high
because there is special software required to make a server.
 Communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers,
cables are costly.
 LAN administrator can see and check personal data files as well
as Internet history of each and every LAN user. Hence, the privacy of
the users are violated
 LANs are restricted in size and cover only a limited area
 Since all the data is stored in a single server computer, if it can be
accessed by an unauthorized user, can cause a serious data security
threat.
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. This is a type of
computer network that is usually used in places like a school or colleges.
This network covers a limited geographical area that is, it spreads across
several buildings within the campus. CAN mainly use Ethernet technology
with a range from 1km to 5km. Its transmission speed is very high with a
moderate maintenance cost and moderate cost. Examples of CAN are
networks that cover schools, colleges, buildings, etc.

Campus Area Network (CAN)

Advantages of CAN
 Speed: Communication within a CAN takes place over Local Area
Network (LAN) so data transfer rate between systems is little bit fast
than Internet.
 Security: Network administrators of campus take care of network by
continuous monitoring, tracking and limiting access. To protect network
from unauthorized access firewall is placed between network and
internet.
 Cost effective: With a little effort and maintenance, network works well
by providing fast data transfer rate with multi-departmental network
access. It can be enabled wirelessly, where wiring and cabling costs
can be managed. So to work with in a campus using CAN is cost-
effective in view of performance
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This is the type of
computer network that connects computers over a geographical distance
through a shared communication path over a city, town, or metropolitan
area. This network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as the technology
with a range from 5km to 50km. Its transmission speed is average. It is
difficult to maintain and it comes with a high cost. Examples of MAN are
networking in towns, cities, a single large city, a large area within multiple
buildings, etc.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Advantages of MAN
 MAN offers high-speed connectivity in which the speed ranges from
10-100 Mbps.
 The security level in MAN is high and strict as compared to WAN.
 It support to transmit data in both directions concurrently because of
dual bus architecture.
 MAN can serve multiple users at a time with the same high-speed
internet to all the users.
 MAN allows for centralized management and control of the network,
making it easier to monitor and manage network resources and
security.
Disadvantages of MAN
 The architecture of MAN is quite complicated hence, it is hard to design
and maintain.
 This network is highly expensive because it required the high cost to
set up fiber optics.
 It provides less fault tolerance.
 The Data transfer rate in MAN is low when compare to LANs.
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large
geographical distance through a shared communication path. It is not
restrained to a single location but extends over many locations. WAN can
also be defined as a group of local area networks that communicate with
each other with a range above 50km. Here we use Leased-Line & Dial-up
technology. Its transmission speed is very low and it comes with very high
maintenance and very high cost. The most common example of WAN is
the Internet.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Advantages of WAN
 It covers large geographical area which enhances the reach of
organisation to transmit data quickly and cheaply.
 The data can be stored in centralised manner because of remote
access to data provided by WAN.
 The travel charges that are needed to cover the geographical area of
work can be minimised.
 WAN enables a user or organisation to connect with the world very
easily and allows to exchange data and do business at global level.
Disadvantages of WAN
 Traffic congestion in Wide Area Network is very high.
 The fault tolerance ability of WAN is very less.
 Noise and error are present in large amount due to multiple connection
point.
 The data transfer rate is slow in comparison to LAN because of large
distances and high number of connected system within the network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, computer networking is essential because it allows
computers to connect and communicate with each other. This connectivity
enables them to share information and resources, making tasks easier
and faster. Whether it’s a small network within a home or office (LAN) or a
large network spreading across cities and countries (WAN), networking
helps us stay connected, work together, and access the internet. It’s like
having a team where everyone can instantly share ideas and tools,
making collaboration smooth and efficient. So, computer networking is all
about making connections that help us stay informed, productive, and
connected to the world.