Computer networks are a huge part of how we live and work today.
From the internet to your local office network, computer networks are everywhere. In fact, they’re so ubiquitous that it’s hard to imagine life without them! But what exactly is a computer network? Or more importantly, what types of computer networks exist?
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 most basic types of computer networks and their various characteristics. You’ll also learn some examples of each type so you can better understand how they work!
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is a network of computers that is set up specifically for one person. It can be used to connect devices such as computers, printers, and scanners in close proximity to each other. A PAN may also include personal digital assistants (PDAs), game consoles, and home theatre systems.
A wired PAN typically uses Ethernet or USB cables to connect the devices while a wireless PAN employs Bluetooth or infrared signals. The range of a typical Bluetooth signal is 10 meters (33 feet). Infrared communication has a shorter range than Bluetooth but does not require line-of-sight between the transmitting and receiving device; data can be sent around corners and through walls using this technology.
The first implementation of a PAN was Apple Computer’s LocalTalk system which utilized RS-232 ports for connecting Macintosh computers together in 1985. The success of LocalTalk led IBM to develop their own version called Token Ring LANs which were released in 1987. These proprietary technologies were eventually eclipsed by IEEE 802 standards such as 802.3 (Ethernet) and 802 .11(Wi-Fi)!
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a computer network that is restricted to a small geographical area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings, however sometimes one LAN can be spread across several different locations. A LAN typically consists of two or more computers connected together with either an Ethernet cable or wireless connection.
One advantage of using a LAN is that it allows for much faster communication between devices than if they were all connected through the internet. This is because data does not have to travel as far and there are usually fewer people trying to use the same resources.
Additionally, security is often tighter on a LAN since it is easier to control who has access to the network compared to someone trying to hack into a larger network like the internet. Finally, another benefit of having separate LANs at different locations is that if one goes down, others can still function normally.
3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of computer network that uses radio waves to communicate between devices. WLANs are often used in homes and businesses to provide wireless access to the Internet or other computers on the same network.
Most modern laptops, phones, and tablets come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, which makes it easy to connect to a WLAN. Many public places such as coffee shops, libraries, and airports also offer free Wi-Fi access for people who need it. A WLAN typically consists of one or more base stations (also called Access Points), which act like mini radios transmitters/receivers that broadcast signals within a certain area.
Any device within range of the base station can pick up these signals and use them to connect wirelessly to the network. The range of a typical home router is about 50-100 feet indoors; outdoor ranges can be much larger depending on terrain and other factors.
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city. A MAN typically consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs) interconnected by high-speed links. The term “metropolitan” in this context refers to the fact that the network connects multiple distinct locations, not necessarily that it covers a large geographic area.
A MAN can be implemented using various technologies, including fibre optic cables, microwave links, and traditional copper wires. Metropolitan area networks are often used to connect corporate LANs within a single city so that they can share resources and exchange information with each other.
In addition, MANs are sometimes used to connect multiple small office/home office (SOHO) LANs together so that home users can have access to shared resources on the company’s LAN; for example, an employee could print documents from his or her home PC to a printer connected to the company’s LAN.
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) is a data communications network that extends over a large geographical area. A WAN can be as small as two connected computers in different locations, or it can span the globe. The term WAN is often used in contrast to a local area network (LAN).
Most WANS are made up of many smaller networks, including LANs and metropolitan area networks (MANs), which are all interconnected. For example, your home computer is probably connect to your ISP through a modem and then to other websites and online services through the Internet—this forms part of a global WAN called the Internet backbone.
Similarly, if you have an office in another city or country, you may use VPN technology to connect back to your company’s private intranet—again forming part of a larger enterprise-wide MAN or even WAN.
6. Storage Area Network (SAN)
A storage area network (SAN) is a computer network that provides block-level data storage, sharing, and backup for an enterprise. A SAN typically consists of one or more controllers (host bus adapters or HBAs), switches, disks, and tape drives.
In order to function properly, a SAN must have at least two nodes: a host server and a storage device. The host server initiates communication with the storage devices in order to read from or write to them.
In most cases, the host server will be connected to the storage devices via fibre channel cables; however, some newer SANs are beginning to use Ethernet as their transport protocol instead.
7. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are private networks that encrypt data in transit between locations. A VPN secures the data you send over public Wi-Fi and ensures that your browsing history remains private.
There are two main types of VPNs: remote access VPNs and site-to-site VPNs. Remote access VPNs allow users to connect to a company’s internal network from anywhere in the world. Site-to-site VPNs set up secure connections between an organization’s on premise servers and its cloud resources.
Most people use VPNs to protect their privacy online but there are other uses as well such as bypassing geo restrictions for streaming content or accessing corporate networks remotely. No matter what your reason is for using a VPNA virtual private network can give you peace of mind knowing that your internet activity is hidden from prying eyes!
The Bottom Line
Computer networks are a crucial part of our daily lives—they provide us with access to the information we need and make it possible for us to communicate with others in real time.
There are many different types of computer networks that serve different purposes. We’ve discussed 7 of them here, but there are plenty more out there!
As you can see, there are many ways to connect computers together. In fact, if you’re interested in working with computer networks, you might consider pursuing a career as a network engineer.
