Network / Computer Networks

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The collection of interconnected computers is called a computer network.

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Types of Network

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On the basis of geographical distance, there can be four types of networks.

• Local Area Network (LAN)

  • Wired LAN

  • Wireless LAN

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Personal Area Network (PAN)

  • Wired PAN

  • Wireless PAN

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LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

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• A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects  computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as home, school, computer laboratory, office building, or closely positioned group of buildings. Each computer or device on the network is a node.

• It is generally privately owned networks over a distance up to 1 to 3 km.

• Local Area Network (LAN) users can share data, information, programs, printers, hard-disks, modem, etc.

• Generally in LAN, one computer is work as the file server. It stores of the software that controls the network.

• On LAN's, cables are used to connect the NIC in computer.

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WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)

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• The network spread across countries or on a vary big geographical area (such as a city, country, or spans even intercontinental distances ) are known as WANs.

• A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a group of computers that are separated by large distances and tied together.

• A WAN often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies.

• WAN technologies generally function at the lower three layers of the OSI reference model: the physical layer, the data link layer, and the network layer

• WAN facilitate fast and efficient exchange of information at lesser costs and higher speeds.

• INTERNET is the largest WAN.

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METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (WAN)

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• MAN refers to a network that is spread over an area as big as a city.

• Multiple networks that are connected within the same city to form a citywide network for a specific government or industry

• Any network bigger than a LAN but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).

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PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)

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• A Personal Area (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer and different information technological devices close to one person.

• Devices that are used in a PAN are personal computers, printers, fax machines, telephones, PDAs, scanners, and even video game consoles.

• A PAN may include wired and wireless connections between devices.

• The reach of a PAN typically extends to 10 meters

 

Local Area Network vs. Wide Area Network

(LAN vs. WAN)

 

• LAN is spread over a small area , while WAN spread over a large area.

• Cost of LAN is lower than WAN.

• LAN is a single network while WAN is usually a network of many networks.

 

To Download PPT - Click Here Introduction to Network  

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