A computer network is a collection of computers connected by a common communication line for the purpose of exchanging resources supplied by or placed on network nodes from one computer to another.
The following are some examples of computer network applications:
- Email, video, instant messaging, and other forms of communication
- Printers, scanners, and other devices can be shared.
- File sharing
- On distant computers, sharing software and operating programs
- Providing network users with easy access to and maintenance of data
Computer Networks Types
- LAN (Local Area Network) (PAN)
- The Local Area Network (LAN)
- Wide Area Networking (WAN)
- Local Area Network (WLAN)
- Area Network on Campus (CAN)
- Network of Metropolitan Areas (MAN)
- Network of Storage Areas (SAN)
- Network of Systems and Areas (SAN)
- Local Area Network using Passive Optical Passive Optical Passive Optical Passive Opti (POLAN)
- a private network for businesses (EPN)
- VPS (Virtual Private System) (VPN)
- Local Area Network (LAN) (HAN)
These are discussed in the next paragraphs.
- PAN (Personal Area Network):
The most basic sort of computer network is a PAN. This network is limited to a single person, meaning that communication between computer devices is limited to a single person’s workspace. PAN has a network range of 10 meters between a person and the communication equipment.
USB, computer, phone, tablet, printer, PDA, and other devices are examples of PAN.
- Local Area Network (LAN):
The most often used network is the LAN. A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that links computers over a shared communication connection that is contained within a small area, or locally. A local area network (LAN) is made up of two or more computers connected by a server. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two main technologies used in this network.
Networking at a house, school, library, laboratory, college, or workplace, for example, is an example of LAN.
- Wide Area Network (WAN):
A WAN is a form of computer network that uses a common communication line to connect computers across a big geographical distance. It is not limited to a particular site, but rather encompasses a large number of them. A WAN may also be defined as a collection of interconnected local area networks.
The Internet is the most common WAN example.
- Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN):
A WLAN is a form of computer network that functions similarly to a local area network but uses wireless network technologies such as Wi-Fi. This network, unlike a LAN, does not allow devices to connect through physical wires, but instead allows them to interact wirelessly.
Wi-Fi is the most common WLAN example.
- Campus Area Network (CAN):
A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). This is a form of computer network that is commonly seen in schools and colleges. This network is restricted to a small geographical region, as it is scattered among multiple buildings on campus.
Networks that encompass schools, universities, buildings, and other structures are examples of CAN.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but less than a wide area network (WAN). This is a computer network that links computers over a long distance via a common communication line that runs across a city, town, or metropolitan region.
Networking in towns, cities, a single major metropolis, a large region within several buildings, and so on are examples of MAN.
- Storage Area Network (SAN):
A SAN is a high-speed computer network that links many servers to groups of storage devices. This network is neither LAN or WAN dependent. A SAN, on the other hand, takes storage resources away from the network and onto its own high-powered network. A storage area network (SAN) gives you access to block-level data storage.
A network of disks accessible by a network of servers is an example of SAN.
8. A SAN (System Area Network):
is a sort of computer network that links a group of high-performance machines. It’s a high-bandwidth, connection-oriented network. A storage area network (SAN) is a sort of LAN that can handle massive volumes of data in big requests. This network is good for processing applications that demand a lot of network bandwidth.
SAN is used by Microsoft SQL Server 2005 via a virtual interface adaptor.
- POLAN (Passive Optical Local Area Network):
A POLAN is a sort of computer network that functions similarly to a LAN. To disperse users and devices, POLAN employs optical splitters to split an optical signal from a single strand of single mode optical fibre into several streams. POLAN stands for point-to-multipoint LAN architecture.
- Enterprise Private Network (EPN):
An EPN is a form of computer network that is mostly utilized by enterprises that want to share computer resources securely across many locations.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN):
A VPN is a virtual private network that allows you to connect to the internet
A virtual private network (VPN) is a sort of computer network that extends a private network across the internet, allowing users to transmit and receive data as if they were connected to a private network even if they aren’t. Users can connect to a private network remotely via a virtual point-to-point connection. VPN shields you from dangerous sources by acting as a conduit for establishing a secure network connection.
- HAN (Home Area Network):
Many homes are likely to have more than one computer. A network comparable to the local area network (LAN) within that house should be constructed to connect those PCs and other peripheral devices. The term “home area network” refers to a network that allows a user to connect several computers and other digital devices within their house (HAN). Within the network, HAN supports the exchange of resources, data, and programs. Both cable and wireless communication are supported.
