A Computer Network can be defined as a group of computers and other peripheral devices that are connected together for the purpose of sharing data and hardware resources. Computer Networks help in communication, resource sharing, efficient use of storage timely communication, etc.
Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or broadband technologies.
Different Types of Computer networks
The different types of computer networks are.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
PAN is used to establish communication among computer devices within the range of 20 to 30 feet. This network maybe wired with computer buses (e.g. USB) or maybe a broadband network through Bluetooth.
In other words, it is an interconnection of personal technology devices to communicate over a short distance, which is less than 33 feet or 10 meters or within the range of an individual person, typically using some form of wireless technologies.
PANs main role is to remove cables that connect devices to peripherals. Typical PAN technologies include: Cordless products - such as mouse devices and keyboards, that use radio or infrared.
The main advantages of PAN are no extra space requires, no need for extra cable and wire, It used in the TV remote, AC remotes, etc. It is reliable and secure, It connects to any devices at a time, Data can be synchronized between different devices, and it is used in offices, conferences, and meetings.
The main disadvantages of PAN are it can be operated in less range of areas, slow data transfer, interfaces with radio signals, it has a limited range, devices are not compatible with each other, Infra red signals are travel only in a straight line, it is used only for a personal area, PAN uses microwave signals in some digital devices which have and effect on the human body like rain and heart problems may occur, and TV remote use infrared signals which have a problem that they travel in a straight line.
Local Area Network.
It is a digital communication system that interconnects numerous computers and other peripheral devices. This category of network is generally preferred within a smaller area such as an office building or a lab building (say within a radius of half a kilometer).
It is normally joined to the computer and other devices within one building, office, campus or group of nearby building, LAN has easy to connect and manage the entire network.
A local area network (LAN) consists of a series of computers connected together to form a network in a circumscribed location. The computers in a LAN join to each other via TCP/IP Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A LAN is normally whole to an organization, such as a school, office, association or church.
The main advantages of LAN are Hardware and software can be shared, does not cost too much, Private ownership , All the user work can be stored in a central place hub, separate component, It is easy to set up a security protocol to protect the LAN user from hackers, Data can be shared because the database file stored in the server is available to the user around the network, It is easy to control and, it is easy to manage the entire LAN, Component and system evolution is possible, Individual work station might survive network failure, LAN configuration is very easy and very simple, due to the availability of required protocol in the OS itself, LAN user do not require own HD (hard disk) and CD - ROM drives, The error rate is very less.
The main disadvantages of LAN are it covers a small geographical area, virus can be spread more easily, High degree of maintenance, a constant need for an upgrade, printing can be too much slow, long print queues may develop, data is shared there is a greater need for security-based, Level of maintenance continues to grow, It is difficult to set up LAN architecture, limited number of a system can only be connected.
Campus Area Network (CAM)
This network connects two or more LANs that are limited to a specific geographical area viz. college campus, office buildings, etc.
A campus area network (CAN) is a computer network that reach a limited geographic area. CANs join multiple local area networks (LAN) within an educational or corporate campus.
The main advantages of CAN are Affordability , Easy accessibility of data, wireless medium, higher speed, protection, share internet connection.
The main disadvantages of CAN are it does not support maximum number of nodes. It can connect up to 64 nodes due to electrical loading, Campus Area Network (CAN)’s maintenance is more costly to another network such as LAN, SAN, WAN etc. It can support till 40 meter length.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
This network connects two or more local area networks or campus area networks together. It prefers routers, switches and hubs but doesn't extend behind the boundaries of the immediate town/city.
The main advantages of MAN are, it provides higher security compare to WAN, It is wider than LAN, It helps in cost-effective sharing of common resources such as printer etc. It help people combine fast LANs together. This is due to easy execute of links. MAN need fewer resources compare to WAN. This saves the implementation cost. The dual bus used in MAN help the transmission of data in both direction simultaneously.
The main disadvantages of MAN are more cable require for a MAN connection from one place to another, The data rate is slow compared to LAN, It is difficult to make a system secure from hackers, The large network difficult to manage, It is difficult to secure the network once its becomes large, Network installation require skilled technicians and network administrators. This increases overall installation and management costs, Cost is higher than LAN.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
It is a digital communication system that interconnects a large number of computers in a wide area. This type of communication network can operate worldwide. In a WAN, telephone lines, microwave, satellite links, etc. can be used as transmission mediums.
The main advantages of WAN are Increase efficiency, Easy of communication, Large network cover, Share information over the large area, Message can be sent very quickly to anyone else on the network, It support global market and global business , Centralized IT infra structure.
The main disadvantages of WAN are it is slow in speed, it is complected and complex, it is difficult to maintain the network, It is very costly because we have to pay every time for transferring data, WAN is a big and complex problem, Very much dependency on third party because it is a public network, WAN is not secure means not reliable.
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