Overview & Benefits of Computer Networks Section

What is a Computer Network?

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 What is a Network?

• In its simplest form, a network is nothing more than “two connected

• It is composed of two main aspects:

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 Overview & Benefits of Computer Networks Section

Some Basic Networking Rules

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 Some Basic Networking Rules
• The computers in a network must use the same procedures for sending and
receiving data. We call these communication protocols.

• Data must be delivered uncorrupted. If it is corrupted, it’s useless. (There are

• Computers in a network must be capable of determining the origin and

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 Overview & Benefits of Computer Networks Section

Type of Computer Networks

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 Types of Computer Networks (by Size)
• Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
• Campus Area Network (CAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

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 Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Ultra-small networks used for personal use to share
data from one device to another.
• Can be wired (PAN) or wireless (WPAN):
o USB
o Bluetooth
o NFC
o ANT+

• Examples:
o Smart Phone to Laptop
o Smart Watch to Smart Phone
o Smart Phone Hands-Free Car Calling
o Heart Rate Monitor to Smart Phone

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 Local Area Network (LAN)
• A computer network within a small geographical
area, such as a single room, building or group of
buildings.
• Considered to be self-contained:
o All devices are directly connected via cables and/or
short-range wireless technology.
o Doesn’t require a leased telecommunications line
from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• Examples:
o Home Network
o Small Business or Office Network

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 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
• A LAN that’s dependent on wireless connectivity
or one that extends a traditional wired LAN to a
wireless LAN.
• Most home networks are WLANs.

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 Campus Area Network (CAN)
• A computer network of multiple
interconnected LANs in a limited geographical
area, such as a corporate business park,
government agency, or university campus.
• Typically owned or used by a single entity.

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 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• A computer network that interconnects
users with computer resources in a city.
• Larger than a campus area network, but
smaller than a wide area network.

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 Wide Area Network (WAN)
• A computer network that extends over a
large geographical distance, typically
multiple cities and countries.
• WANs connect geographically distant LANs.
• Typically use leased telecommunications
lines from ISPs.
• Examples:
o The Internet
o Corporate Offices in Different States

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 Overview & Benefits of Computer Networks Section

Network Architecture
Peer-to-Peer vs. Client-Server

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 Network Architecture
Peer-to-Peer Client-Server
• All computers on the network are • The network is composed of client and
peers servers
• No dedicated servers • Servers provide resources
• There’s no centralized control over • Clients receive resources
shared resources • Servers provide centralized control over
• Any device can share its resources as network resources (files, printers, etc.)
it pleases • Centralizes user accounts, security, and
• All computers can act as either a access controls to simplify network
client or a server administration
• Easy to set-up, and common in homes • More difficult to setup and requires an IT
and small businesses administrator

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 Overview & Benefits of Computer Networks Section

Why Build a Computer Network?

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 Why Build a Computer Network?
• Before computer networks, people sent and received information by hand,
using the postal service. This is slow and can be unreliable.

• Computer networks enable faster, more efficient modes of communication,

• Computer networks and the sharing of electronic data encourage the use of
standard policies and procedures.

• Computer networks provide backup and recovery support for our data, i.e.,
redundancy.

• Computer networks lead to cost savings.

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