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1 Computer Networks

A computer network is defined as a group of interconnected computers that share resources using common communication protocols. There are five main types of computer networks: LAN, PAN, MAN, WAN, and VPN, each serving different purposes and scales. Additionally, network topologies and devices such as routers, switches, and modems play crucial roles in the functioning and structure of these networks.

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7 views4 pages

1 Computer Networks

A computer network is defined as a group of interconnected computers that share resources using common communication protocols. There are five main types of computer networks: LAN, PAN, MAN, WAN, and VPN, each serving different purposes and scales. Additionally, network topologies and devices such as routers, switches, and modems play crucial roles in the functioning and structure of these networks.

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Ser Subject Details

1. Computer Networks -
Types & Functions
2. A computer network is a group of computers that use a set of
common communication protocols over digital interconnections
for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by
the network nodes.
3. What is a Computer Network?
Before moving forward with the article and learning more about
the types of computer networks, it is important for candidates
to understand what is a network and how it affects the
functioning of one or more computers connected with each
other.
4. Definition – A group of computers which are connected to each
other and follow similar usage protocols for the purpose of
sharing information and having communications provided by
the networking nodes is called a Computer Network.

A network may be small where it may include just one system


or maybe as large as what one may want. The nodes may
further be classified into various types. These include:

Personal Computers
Servers
Networking Hardware
General Hosts
5. Networking can be classified into three types:
1. Types of Computer Networks
2. Topology
3. Interpreters

6. Types of Computer Networks


There are five main types of Computer Networks:
1. LAN (Local Area Network) –
 Systems connected in a small network like in a
building or a small office
 It is inexpensive
 It uses Ethernet or Token-ring technology
 Two or more personal computers can be
connected through wires or cables acting as
nodes
 Transfer of data is fast and is highly score
2. PAN (Personal Area Network) –
 The smallest computer network
 Devices may be connected through Bluetooth or
other infra-red enables devices
 It has a connectivity range of upto 10 metres
 It covers an area of upto 30 feet
 Personal devices belonging to a single person
can be connected to each other using PAN
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) –
 A network that can be connected within a city, for
example, cable TV Connection
 It can be in the form of Ethernet, ATM, Token-
ring and FDDI
 It has a higher range
 This type of network can be used to connect
citizens with the various Organisations
4. WAN (Wide Area Network) –
 A network which covers over a country or a larger
range of people
 Telephonic lines are also connected through
WAN
 Internet is the biggest WAN in the world
 Mostly used by Government Organisations to
manage data and information
5. VPN (Virtual Private Network): –
 A network which is constructed by using public
wires to connect to a private network
 There are a number of systems which enable you
to create networks using the Internet as a
medium for transporting data
 These systems use encryptions and other
security mechanisms to ensure only authorised
users can access

7. Network Topologies
Given below are the eight types of Network Topologies:
1. Point to Point Topology – Point to Point topology is
the simplest topology that connects two nodes directly
together with a common link.
2. Bus Topology – A bus topology is such that there is a
single line to which all nodes are connected and the
nodes connect only to the bus
3. Mesh Topology – This type of topology contains at
least two nodes with two or more paths between them
4. Ring Topology – In this topology every node has
exactly two branches connected to it. The ring is broken
and cannot work if one of the nodes on the ring fails
5. Star Topology – In this network topology, the
peripheral nodes are connected to a central node, which
rebroadcasts all the transmissions received from any
peripheral node to all peripheral nodes on the network,
including the originating node
6. Tree Topology – In this type of topology nodes are
connected in the form of a tree. The function of the
central node in this topology may be distributed
7. Line Topology – in this topology all the nodes are
connected in a straight line
8. Hybrid Topology – When two more types of topologies
combine together, they form a Hybrid topology
8. Network Devices
Discussed below are a few important network devices from the
exam point of view:
 Network Repeater – Used to generate incoming
electrical, wireless or optical signals
 Network Hub – It is a small network device. It joins
multiple computers together to form a single network
segment. On this segment, all computers can interact
with each other
 Network Switch – It is a small hardware device which
joins multiple computers together with a single LAN
 Network Router – This device interfaces in multiple
networks whose task is to copy packages from one
network to another. It provides connectivity inside
enterprises, between Enterprises and the Internet and
within an ISP
 Network Bridge – It reads the outermost section of the
data packet to tell where the message is going. It
reduces the traffic on other network segments.
 Modem – This device converts digital signals into
analog signals. It is always placed between a telephone
and a computer system

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