Network

What is a Network?
 Network is a group of devices, such as computers, that are
connected to each other through some media for the purpose of
sharing information and resources.
 A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in
order to share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic
communication.
 Shared resources can include printers, documents and internet
connections.
 Advantages of Network

• Sharing devices such as printers saves money.

• Site (software) licenses are likely to be cheaper than buying
several standalone licenses.
• Files can easily be shared between users.
• Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger.
• Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.
 Network Types
Computer network is broadly classified into three types—
 Local Area Network (LAN),
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and
 Wide Area Network (WAN).
 Local Area Network-LAN
• A LAN is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area of
distance such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office
building.
 Metropolitan Area Network-MAN
 A MAN is a larger network that usually spans several buildings in the same city
or town or MAN is a computer network spread over a city.
 Wide Area Network
 WAN is a network that connects computers over long distances like cities,
continents, and countries. Internet is a common example of WAN.