You’ll have heard the term ‘computer networking’ before, hopefully you know a little more than most and don’t associate it with a place where computers go dating. Even if, you know what a computer network is, there are various forms so, with the tech world, taking us in its grasp, it would probably be a good idea to explore the various types of ‘computer networking’;
What is a computer network?
Essentially, a computer network can be defined as more than one computer that are somehow or another linked to each other so that they are able to ‘talk’ with each other. Perhaps communicate would be a better word to use, but, hey, who knows what they’re talking about!?
When two or more computers are connected, you will require network security solutions, they can share resources, hardware and software capabilities and pretty much anything else you could do with one computer with the added benefit of more power and the ability to share information directly between the two or more machines.
Network types
When it comes to the various types of networks, they can, generally speaking, be put into four categories;
LAN (Local Area Network) This is where two or more machines are directly linked to each other in a local area, such as a property or workplace;
- A local area network (LAN) connects two or more computers over a communication means such as twisted pair, an ethernet cable, it can be for personal use of corporate.
- It is less expensive since it is constructed with low-cost hardware such as hubs, network adapters, and ethernet cables.
- In a Local Area Network, data is exchanged at an exceedingly rapid rate.
- Local Area Networks offer more security.
PAN (Personal Area Network) This type of network is purely for personal use, but can still make use of things like AI, they can be set up via a wire, Bluetooth or WIFI.
- A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network that is set up inside a single person, often within a small area
- Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network that is used to link computer devices for personal usage.
- Personal Area Network has a range of around 30 feet.
- Laptops, mobile phones, media players, and computer consoles are all examples of personal computer devices used to establish a personal area network.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) A MAN area network is a network that connects many LANs to build a bigger network that spans a greater geographic region.
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- MAN is used by government organizations to communicate with individuals and private industries.
- MAN connects many LANs together through a telephone exchange line.
- RS-232, Frame Relay, ATM, ISDN, OC-3, ADSL, and other protocols are often used in MAN.
- Its range is greater than that of a Local Area Network (LAN).
WAN (Wide Area Network) Finally, this is the ‘daddy’ of networks
- A Wide Region Network (WAN) is a network that spans a broad geographical area, such as many states or countries.
- A Wide Area Network is a much larger network than a LAN.
- A Wide Region Network (WAN) is not restricted to a single site, but rather spans a vast geographical area through a telephone line, fibre optic cable, or satellite links.
- The internet is one of the world’s largest WANs.
- A Wide Area Network (WAN) is widely utilized in business, government, and education.
It’s good to talk
There you have it, all the techno info about computer networks, just in case you need it in the future.
