COMPUTER NETWOK TYPES

o INTRODUCTION

A computer network is a group of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers,

printers, routers, and switches, that are connected to each other to share resources, data, and
information.

Networks can be classified based on their size, geographical coverage, and purpose. The most
common types of networks are:

1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN connects devices within a small geographic
area, such as a home, school, or office building.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN connects devices over a large geographic
area, such as multiple cities, countries, or continents.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN connects devices within a

metropolitan area, such as a city.

4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN connects devices wirelessly,

usually within a small geographic area.

5. Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN is a specialized network that connects

servers to storage devices, allowing for centralized storage and retrieval of data.

Networks use various technologies, protocols, and standards to ensure efficient and secure
communication between devices. Some common network protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP,
FTP, and DNS. Security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and encryption are used to protect
network traffic and prevent unauthorized access.

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o SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Software Requirements:-

1. Microsoft Resources

• Minimum Hardware Requirements:-

Name of Resource Name of system Details

Computer System Hp Intel i5, Ram-8GB

Printer Canon LBP 2900 laser jet

Operating system window Windows 10

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o Computer Network
A computer network is a system of interconnected computers, servers, and other devices that
can communicate with each other to share resources and information. Networks can be used
to transmit data, messages, and media between devices, as well as to access and share files,
applications, and services. There are different types of computer networks, including local
area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs),
and wireless networks. LANs are typically used in homes, schools, and businesses to connect
devices within a limited area. WANs, on the other hand, are used to connect geographically
dispersed devices, such as those in different cities or countries.
Networks are usually built using network hardware devices such as routers,
switches, and hubs. These devices enable the devices on the network to communicate with
each other by providing the necessary connections and protocols for data transmission.There
are also different network protocols and technologies that are used to ensure efficient and
secure communication between devices, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and DNS. Security
measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and encryption are used to protect network traffic and
prevent unauthorized access.

o Different Types of Networks :-

Depending upon the geographical area covered by a network, it is classified as:

– Local Area Network (LAN)

– Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

– Wide Area Network (WAN)

– Personal Area Network (PAN)

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I. Local Area Network (LAN)

• A LAN is a network that is used for communicating amongcomputer devices, usually

within an office building or home.

• LAN’s enable the sharing of resources such as files orhardware devices that may be
needed by multiple users

• Is limited in size, typically spanning a few hundred meters,and no more than a mile

• Is fast, with speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps

• Requires little wiring, typically a single cable connecting toeach device

• Has lower cost compared to MAN’s or WAN’s

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o Advantages of LAN :-

• Speed
• Cost
• Security
• E-mail
• Resource Sharing

Disadvantages of LAN :-

• Expensive To Install
• Requires Administrative Time
• File Server May Fail
• Cables May Break

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II. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)\

• A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large computer network that usually spans a
city or a large campus.
• A MAN is optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several
blocks of buildings to entire cities.
• A MAN might be owned and operated by a single organization, but it usually will be
used by many individuals and organizations.
• A MAN often acts as a high speed network to allow sharing of regional resources.
• A MAN typically covers an area of between 5 and 50 km diameter.
• Examples of MAN: Telephone company network that provides a high speed DSL to
• customers and cable TV network.

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III. Wide Area Network (WAN)

• WAN covers a large geographic area such as country, continent or even whole of the
world.

• A WAN is two or more LANs connected together. The LANs can be many miles
apart.

• To cover great distances, WANs may transmit data over leased high-speed phone lines
or wireless links such as satellites.

• Multiple LANs can be connected together using devices such as bridges, routers, or
gateways, which enable them to share data.

• The world's most popular WAN is the Internet.

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IV. Personal Area Network (PAN)

• A PAN is a network that is used for communicating among computers and computer
devices (including telephones) in close proximity of around a few meters within a
room

• It can be used for communicating between the devices themselves, or for connecting
to a larger network such as the internet.

• PAN’s can be wired or wireless

• A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication

among computer devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants,
proximity to an individual's body.

• The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is
typically a few meters.

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o Conclusion :-

Computer networks play a crucial role in modern computing, enabling devices to

communicate and share resources with each other. There are different types of networks, such
as LANs, WANs, MANs, and wireless networks, each designed to meet specific
requirements.

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o Reference :-

• Computer science book, faculty of science, MU.

• Network protocols handbook.
• Wireless Communications & Networking.

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