Chapter 3 : Computer Networks and Communications 1. | Introduction to computer network & communications Computer network - a system of interconnected computers and peripheral devices. It may connect computers, printers, scanners and cameras. In anetwork, computers can exchange and share information and resources. Communications is about the transfer of information from a sender, across a distance, toa receiver. LAN — covers a small region of space, typically a single building MAN —isa collection of LANs with the same geographical area (e.g. — same city) WAN - can be collections of LANs and / or MANs (e.g.—a country or even beyond the border) Differences between LAN, MAN & WAN Criteria LAN MAN WAN Cost Low High Higher Nenvars Small Larger Largest Size Fastest Slower Slowest Transmis- sion media & radio wave ir type R fiber-optic | & satellite Number of smallest large largest computers Twisted Twisted pair | fiber-optic,