In this tutorial, you’re going to learn what is computer network, Different types of computer networks with proper examples and diagrams.
Let’s Get Started, Happy learning!
What is Computer Network
Computer Network is a system that allows communication among the computers connected to the network. When two or more computers are interconnected with each other and transfer data among each other is called a computer network. Two computers are said to be interconnected if they interchange information. Information can be in the form of audio, video, text, gig and other formats as well.
Example of Computer network
Let’s take an example of a university to understand the concept of a computer network. Departments of university ABC are BBA, B.COM, B Tech, BCA, BA and B.SC. These departments are interconnected with each other through a network. To communicate or interchange information, the departments use the computer system. So When computers are interconnected with each other is called a computer network.
As shown in the diagram above the departments of the university are using a computer network to share information such as files, folders, images, excel sheets, documents and emails.
Types of Computer Network
The computer network is divided into different categories and the following are the major types of Computer networks.
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
- Wide Area Network(WAN)
- Wireless Network
- Internetwork
Local Area Network (LAN)
The LAN is a network that is designed to operate over a small physical area such as an office, factory or a group of buildings. The LANs are easy to design. In a local area network, all the machines are connected to a single cable. Bus topology is used in local area networks. It works between 0 to 10 Km. The following diagram shows an example of a local area network.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is a bigger version of the Local area network(LAN). It is designed to extend over an entire city. The Metropolitan area network is a combination of many LANs. It works within 10 to 100 kilometres. For example, a cable network. The following diagram shows an example of a metropolitan area network.
Wide Area Network ( WAN)
WAN stands for wide area network. When a network spans a large distance, a local area network cannot be used so for large distances wide area network is used. It is used for transferring large blocks of data between its users. WAN is cheaper and more efficient to use.
A network between one country and another country is an example of a wide-area network. WAN provide distance transmission of data, audio, images and video information. The following diagram shows an example of a wide area network(WAN)
Wireless Network
In wireless networks, computers are connected with each other without a wire or cable and information is transformed through unguided media. The wireless networks are becoming more important because the wired connection is cannot be used in vehicles such as cars or aeroplanes. Wireless networks have many applications.
A very common example of a wireless network is a portable office. People travelling on road often want to make use of their portable electronic equipment such as mobile phones and laptops for calls, emails and text messages. Hence the wireless network is used in all these devices.
Inter-network
When two or more networks are connected with each other is called an inter-network. For example, if LAN and MAN are connected with each other and then this network is called internetwork. The following diagram shows an example of internetwork.
Uses of Computer network
Computer networks are playing an important role in providing services to a large organization as well as to the common man. The following are the uses of a computer network:
- Resource sharing
- Provides high reliability
- Saves Money
- Provides powerful communication
Resource Sharing
A computer network allows sharing of programs, equipment, data and information. It allows sharing so that resources are available to anyone on the network.
For example, a printer can be used as a shared resource by many users in a computer lab.
High Reliability
The aspect of high reliability is very important for military, banking and air traffic control. Computer networks provide very high reliability.
Saves Money
The computer network is an important financial aspect for organizations because it saves money.
Communication Medium
A computer network provides a powerful communication medium among widely separated employees.
Have you enjoyed this tutorial on what is computer network and its types? If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section