Types of Computer Networks |
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Computer networks and Network Types
A computer network
is established when a series of computers is connected to each other
for communication. The purpose of this connection or network is to
share the resources within the connected units.
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Computer Network Technologies
Computer networks are established using different software and hardware technologies. Computer networks can be established using different hardware structures such as Ethernet, optical fiber or merely using wireless connections. Ethernet network is the most common and widely used technology to establish any computer network. The network based on the use of Ethernet network
is formed by physically connecting the individual computer units to
each other through wiring. Various types of devices used for the Ethernet network
are switches, bridges, routers and hubs mostly. Ethernet network can
be started with the help of employing different types of cables such as
twisted pair wire, coaxial cable and fiber optics mostly.
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Wireless Networks
Wireless networks
are established without physical welding or wiring techniques
involved. Wireless technology is based on use of radio and infrared
signals. However if you look at the wireless technologies, there are many wireless communication technologies
available. Wireless communication can be established through
communication satellites, terrestrial microwaves, cellular systems,
wireless LANs and Bluetooth. The recent development and
ease of using wireless technologies have almost surpassed the use of
Ethernet. However still the advantages and economy associated with the
physical networks can not be neglected fully. Networks can be
established using many types of physical interconnections usually
referred to as the network topologies. Network topologies can be of
many different types depending on the need of the network to be
constituted.
Types of Computer Networks
Computer networks are of many different types such as Personal area network (PAN), Local area network (LAN), Metropolitan area network (MAN), Campus area network (CAN), Storage area network (SAN) and Wide area network (WAN).
The computer networks which are designed for personal use are known as
PAN or personal area networks. A PAN network is typically on an area of
20 to 30 feet. When we need the facility of network to be used on a
really small commercial area or in small computer labs, we prefer LAN.
LANs are capable of higher data transfer within small geographical
area. LAN usually operates at a speed of Giga Bit. CAN is larger
network than LAN. CAN is usually established in university campus to
establish a connection among different computer labs, library,
registration office and different academic units. MAN is usually a
middle way to LAN and WAN. It is established by the various
interconnections between WAN and LAN. Man is spread over an area of
around 5 to almost 50 km. MAN has many applications , it is most
commonly used in banks, online reservation systems and in many military
based services. If we make a complex network of many LANs we will end
up making a wide area network. Wide area network is commonly known as
internet. The applications and availability of internet can be now seen
in every building of commercial or other nature.
All of the above
mentioned network connections can be established using wireless or
wired communication. Computer networks are of many uses. First and the
foremost advantage are the file and data sharing. Other than that the
other purposes that it serves are increased storage of data, more data
sharing and cost efficiency. The ease of establishing networks allows
you to download complex and expensive software in no time and with
convenience. However initially when you make up a computer network it
requires an extensive network of wires. Establishing a network earlier
would involve a hefty budget in order to make a backup main file
server. Thus networks have removed the troubles of communication thus
narrowing the communication gap throughout the world.
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Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Types of Computer Networks
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