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Types of Network

The document discusses various types of computer networks, including PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN, each defined by their size and purpose. It outlines the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each network type, emphasizing their applications in different environments. Additionally, it mentions other network types and highlights the transformative impact of the Internet on daily life and business.

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9 views6 pages

Types of Network

The document discusses various types of computer networks, including PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN, each defined by their size and purpose. It outlines the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each network type, emphasizing their applications in different environments. Additionally, it mentions other network types and highlights the transformative impact of the Internet on daily life and business.

Uploaded by

Enemy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Different Types of Computer Networks

There are various types of Computer Networking options available. The


classification of network in computers can be done according to their size as well
as their purpose.

The size of a network should be expressed by the geographic area and number of
computers, which are a part of their networks. It includes devices housed in a
single room to millions of devices spread across the world. Following are the
popular types of Computer Network:

• PAN (Personal Area Network)


• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It


generally consists of a computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can
be used for establishing communication among these personal devices for
connecting to a digital network and the internet.
Characteristics of PAN
Below are the main characteristics of PAN:

• It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.


• Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the surrounding
of a single user.
• PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.
• It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
• Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems.

Advantages of PAN
Here are the important pros/benefits of PAN network:
• PAN networks are relatively secure and safe
• It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters
• Strictly restricted to a small area

Disadvantages of PAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of using PAN network:

• It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio


bands.
• Distance limits.

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?


A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices
which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office
building. It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers,
games, and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect
computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN will be
used as one type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists of less
than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.

Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

• It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.


• LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN
systems.
• There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring
and ethernet.

Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:

• Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share


local area networks. This significantly reduces the cost of hardware
purchases.
• You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the
licensed software for each client in the network.
• Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server
computer.
• You can easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.
• It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more
secure.
• Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection
among all the LAN users.

Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:

• LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the
initial cost of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
• The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does
not offer good privacy.
• Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN
admin is not able to secure centralized data repository.
• Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are
issues related to software setup and hardware failures

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?


WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which
is spread across a large geographical area. WAN network system could be a
connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and
radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.
Characteristics of WAN
Below are the characteristics of WAN:

• The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can
access to the latest files.
• Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.

Advantages of WAN
Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:

• WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business


offices situated at longer distances can easily communicate.
• Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming
consoles, etc.
• WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into
client devices.
Disadvantages of WAN
Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:

• The initial setup cost of investment is very high.


• It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians
and network administrators.
• There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the use
of different technologies.
• It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of
multiple wired and wireless technologies.
• Offers lower security compared to other types of network in computer.

What is MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)?


A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network
across an entire city, college campus, or a small region. This type of network is
large than a LAN, which is mostly limited to a single building or site. Depending
upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows you to cover an area
from several miles to tens of miles.

Characteristics of MAN
Here are important characteristics of the MAN network:

• It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range


• Mostly used medium is optical fibers, cables
• Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.

Advantages of MAN
Here are the pros/benefits of MAN network:

• It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic


cables.
• It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater
access to WANs.
• The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both
directions concurrently.
• A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.

Disadvantages of MAN
Here are drawbacks/cons of using the MAN network:

• You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to
another.
• In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers

Other Types of Computer Networks


Apart from above mentioned computer networks, here are some other important
types of networks:

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)


• Storage Area Network
• System Area Network
• Home Area Network
• POLAN- Passive Optical LAN
• Enterprise private network
• Campus Area Network
• Virtual Area Network

THE INTERNET
The Internet has revolutionized many aspects of our daily lives. It has affected
the way we do business as well as the way we spend our leisure time. Count the
ways you've used the Internet recently. Perhaps you've sent electronic mail (e-
mail) to a business associate, paid a utility bill, read a newspaper from a distant
city, or looked up a local movie schedule-all by using the Internet. Or maybe you

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