Network Classification

 Computer networks can be categories by their size as

well as their purpose.
 The size of a network can be expressed by the
geographic area.
 Some of the different networks based on size are:

1. LAN – Local Area Network

2. MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
3. WAN – Wide Area Network

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Introduction to Computer Networks

LAN, MAN & WAN

Network in small geographical Area (Room, Building or a
Campus) is called LAN (Local Area Network)

Network in a City is call MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Network spread geographically (Country or across Globe) is

called WAN (Wide Area Network)

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Local Area Network
 A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that
interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence,
school, laboratory, university campus or office building.

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Metropolitan Area Network
 A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that
interconnects with computer in a metropolitan area like city.
 MAN is a larger than LAN but smaller than the area covered by a WAN.
 It is also used to interconnection of several local area network.

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Metropolitan Area Network
Examples of
(MAN)
•Networking
between banks in a
city.
•Used in air
reservation.
•Municipal wi-fi
networks
•The cable tv
network spread over
the whole city

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Internet & Intranet
Internet
 It is a Global network of computers, to exchange information.
 It is a "network of networks" that includes millions of private and
public, academic, business, and government networks (local or
Global), linked by copper wires, Optical fiber , wireless
connections, and other technologies.

Intranet
 Internal company network that uses Internet standards (HTML,
HTTP & TCP/IP protocols) & software.
 Accessed only by authorized persons, especially members or
employees of the organization

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Extranet
 An extranet is a restricted public network that is shared on a limited
basis.
 Extranets are typically constructed using the internet with security
features that restrict access to authorized individuals and digital entities.
 Extranet is an Intranet for outside authorized users using same internet
technology.
 Supplier Extranet (A retailer offers an extranet to supply chain partners
to facilitate processes such as invoice payment and logistics).
 A construction project uses an extranet to share documents with
stakeholders such as project management teams and subcontractors.
 A restaurant chain offers employees an extranet that allows them to
view their timesheets and other data

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Layered System View

Intranet Corporate members

Extranet Clients, partners, customers

Internet Global society: competitors

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Wide Area Network
 A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that exists
over a large-scale geographical area.
 A WAN connects different networks, including local area networks
(LAN) and metropolitan area networks (MAN).
 It may be located with in a state or a country or it may be
interconnected around the world.

Asia

America

Africa

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WAN
 In its simplest form, a wide-area network (WAN)
is a collection of local-area networks (LANs) or
other networks that communicate with one
another.
 A WAN is essentially a network of networks, with
the Internet the world's largest WAN.
 Technologies: Packet switching, TCP/IP protocol
suite, Router, Multiprotocol Label Switching
(MPLS),
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https://www.cisco.com/c/en_in/products/switches/what-is-a-wan-wide-area-network.html
Types of Computer Networks - Summary

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Network classification – Based on Architecture

http://www.darshan.ac.in/
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/classification-of-computer-network-on-basis-of-architecture/
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Peer-to-Peer
 Peer to peer network or P2P network is a network
between computers through LAN or internet.
 Peer is a computer connected in the P2P network
 In P2P network each computer behaves as client and
server at the same time.
 This network is very essential and important for
small environments, usually up to at least 10
computers
 Each and every computer in this network are treated
same and equally and might send even receive
message directly
 Easy setup, cheaper, sharing devices
 Issues : security, Performance
 E.g. Torrent, A computer attached to the LAN

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Client/Server
 CSN (Client/Server Network) is
type of computer network in
which one of centralized and
powerful computers (commonly
called as server) is hub to which
many of personal computers that
are less powerful or workstations
(commonly known as clients) are
connected.
 Examples of servers include web
servers, mail servers, and file
servers.

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https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/classification-of-computer-network-on-basis-of-architecture/
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NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

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Network Topologies
 Network topology is the arrangement of the various
components(links, nodes, etc.) of a computer network.
 Types of network topologies :
1. Bus
2. Ring
3. Star
4. Mesh
5. Tree
6. Hybrid

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Bus Topology

 Every computer and network device is connected to single cable

 It transmits data only in one direction.
 Cost effective
 Used in small networks
 Easy to expand joining two cables together
 It is used in early LAN connection

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Ring Topology

 It forms a ring as each computer is connected to another

computer, with the last one connected to the first.
 Transmission is unidirectional & sequential way that is bit by bit.
 Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by adding
more nodes, as only the nodes having tokens can transmit data.
 Cheap to install and expand.

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Star Topology

 Computers are connected to a single central hub through a cable.

 Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
 Easy to troubleshoot & Easy to setup and modify.
 Only that node is affected which has failed rest of the nodes can
work smoothly.
 Hub can be upgraded easily.
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Mesh Topology
No of ports @ each
node = n – 1

No. of links in this

setup = n (n-1)/2

 Point-to-point connection to other devices or fully connected.

 Traffic is carried only between two connected devices.
 Robust, not flexible and costly.
 Fault is diagnosed easily.
 More cable resource used in setup.

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Tree Topology

 It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming
a hierarchy.
 Also called hierarchical topology.
 Mostly used in Wide Area Network – WAN.
 Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
 Easily managed and maintained.
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Hybrid Topology

 A network structure whose design contains more than one

topology is said to be hybrid topology.
 It is a combination of two or more topologies.
 Flexible & Reliable as error detecting and easy to troubleshoot.
 Scalable as size can be increased easily.

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