What is a computer network? Define its types.

A computer network can be defined as a set of connected computers. Computers present over a network are called nodes. 

The connection between different computers can be done by means of a cabling, most commonly the Ethernet cable, or even wirelessly through radio waves. These connected computers can easily share resources and also data, like access to the Internet, printers, file servers, and much more. A network is considered as a multipurpose connection.

Network simplifies communication through email, video conferencing, etc. It enables file sharing across the network and multiple users in order to share a single hardware device, thereby making the information easier to access and maintain among the users of the network.

The different networks based on size are:

• Personal area network, or PAN
• Local area network, or LAN
• Metropolitan area network, or MAN
• Wide area network, or WAN

Personal Area Network

A personal area network, or PAN, is a type of computer network set around an individual person within an area as small as a single building, inside a small office or residence. PAN would include computers, telephones, peripheral devices, game consoles and some other personal entertainment devices.

In case multiple individuals are using the same network, the network is referred to as a home area network or HAN. The network is managed by means of a single computer and can be accessed from any device.

PAN provides great flexibility and allows you to send a document to the printer easily without moving from your position such as in the office upstairs while sitting on the couch. It also allows you to easily upload a photo from your cell phone to desktop.

Local Area Network

A local area network, or LAN, is a computer network at a single site, most likely an individual official building. It is very useful in sharing resources and can be built with inexpensive hardware, using hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables.

The larger LANs are capable of accommodating thousands of computers and relies mostly on wired connections for increased speed and security. The defining characteristics of LANs include high speed and low cost. These are typically used for single sites which allow people to share resources among themselves and not with the outside world. If a local area network, is entirely wireless, it is known as a wireless local area network or WLAN.

Metropolitan Area Network

A metropolitan area network, or MAN, are a computer network across the entire city, college campus or any such small region. It is larger than a LAN, as it is not limited to a single building or site. This type of network might be able to cover an area up to ten miles. It is used to connect several LANs together in order to form a bigger network.

Wide Area Network

A wide area network, or WAN, occupies a large area, which could be as large as an entire country or maybe the entire world. It could contain multiple networks of smaller size, such as LANs or MANs. The Internet is the best example of a public WAN.

Computer Network – A communication system provides the transfer or sharing of data and information between computers installed at different locations through connectivity is called computer network.

In a computer network, a large number of computers are interconnected with each other, through one or more transmission paths. The type and structure of a computer network depend upon a different parameter, according to the needs of users. Networking of a computer allows direct access to any other computer, anywhere and anytime, and one can transmit the information in any part of the world.

Types of computer network – The network may be a small group of computers or a large number of computers connected with communication link at different locations. Depending upon the operational area of the network, the networking may be classified as discussed below

• Local Area Network (LAN) – A local area network is a small group of networks that interconnected together and located inside a single building, within the building of same organization or institution or within a limited area. All the terminals are connected to the main computer which is widely known as a server. The server stores all sorts of data, programs, files and different software which provide them to the workstations. A LAN system can have more than one server and support a range of about 10km.

• Wide Area Network (WAN) – Wide Area Network (WAN) is used to connect a wider geographical area including different cities or even different countries. These communication links are established through telephone lines or microwave links via satellite. This type of network has made it possible to improve the working of business circles and other organizations. Wide Area Network has the capability of handling large database but involves higher costs.

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – A metropolitan area network is used to connect different sites in the city and its nearby areas. Sites in these cities may be business houses, important offices, stock exchanges, head offices of big companies and much more. Depending upon the location of the metropolitan cities, the network may be of LAN type or WAN type. Such networks are of great help to business houses in ascertaining their products sales at any moment. The information exchange regarding establishments of different offices, the latest trend in share business can be readily and instantaneously known.