This document classifies and describes different types of computer networks and network topologies. It discusses the four main types of computer networks: personal area networks (PAN), local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and wide area networks (WAN). It also outlines the most common network topologies: bus, ring, star, mesh, tree, and hybrid topologies. For each topology, it provides a brief definition and lists some advantages and disadvantages.

1. Note-2
Classification of Computer Networks
Course Title : Computer Networks Theory
Course Code : CSE 317
Submitted To
Pranab Bandhu Nath
Senior Lecturer, Department Of CSE
City University, Dhaka
Submitted By
Mushahadur Rahaman Khan
ID: 1834902513
BSc in CSE (Day)
Batch: 49th

2. Computer Network :
A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the computer to
communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and applications .
Type of computer network :
A computer network is mainly four type .
1) LAN(Local Area Network)
2) PAN(Personal Area Network)
3) MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
4) WAN(Wide Area Network)
Personal Area Network : Personal Area Network covers an area of 10 meters. PAN includes mobile
devices, tablet, and laptop. Thomas Zimmerman was the first research scientist to bring the idea of the
Personal Area Network.
Local Area Network : Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects between
multiple computers in a limited area of home, school, computer laboratory or office. It is a network which
consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.

3. Metropolitan Area Network : An interface consisting of several LANs located within the same city
is called a metropolitan area network.
Wide Area Network : A WAN (wide area network) is a communication network that extends
across a large geographical area such as a city or state. They can be private to connect parts of the
business or they can be more universal to connect small networks together.
Network Topology : Network topology refers to the physical or logical configuration of a network. It
defines the way different nodes are placed and connected to each other. Periodically, the network
topology can describe how data is transferred between these nodes.

4. Most Common Type of Network Topology :
1) Bus Topology
2) Ring Topology
3) Star Topology
4) Mesh Topology
5) Tree Topology
6) Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology : Bus Topology is a topology in which all workstations or computers are
connected to a main cable.
Advantages of Bus topology :
Low-cost cable
Moderate data speeds
Familiar technology
Limited failure
Disadvantages of Bus topology :
Extensive cabling
Difficult troubleshooting
Signal interference
Reconfiguration difficult
Ring Topology : In Ring Topology, each computer is connected to its surroundings. ... In this system,
when a computer sends data, it rotates in a circle until the recipient computer receives the data.

5. Advantages of Ring topology :
It has cheap installation and expansion
Cost is very low
Reliable
Disadvantages of Ring topology :
If a node fails, the whole network will fail.
Slow data transmission speed.
Difficult to reconfigure
Star topology : The topology that connects other computers to a centrally controlled
computer or handheld computer to form a network is called a star topology. ... In this
topology, if a computer breaks down or breaks down, it has no effect on the network.

6. Advantages of Star topology :
Centralized control.
Easy to troubleshoot
If a node fails, it will not affect other nodes.
Easy to reconfigure and upgrade
Disadvantages of Star topology :
If the central device fails, the network will fail.
All the nodes are dependent on the hub.
The installation cost is extreme.
Tree topology : The topology in which computers are arranged like branches of a tree is called tree
topology. In this topology one or more levels of computer are connected to the host computer.
Advantages of Tree topology :
sent over long distances
easy to maintain and manage
easy to detect an error in the network
Disadvantages of Tree topology :
It is profoundly cabled,
very high costly.
Reconfiguration difficult

7. Mesh topology : If there are additional connections between devices or computers in a network, it is
called Mesh Topology. It has a lot of security in data communication and network problems can be solved
very easily. Mesh topology can be formed by using the formula:
Number of cables = (n*(n-1))/2;
Advantages of Mesh topology :
Very fast communication.
Easier Reconfiguration
Reliable
Disadvantages of Mesh topology :
Very high cabling required.
Cost inefficient to implement.
very difficult to maintain and manage.
Hybrid topology : A network topology consisting of bus, star, ring, etc. topologies is called hybrid
topology. The Internet, for example, is one such topology.

8. Advantages of Hybrid topology :
It can handle a large volume of nodes.
Very Reliable
It is a flexible network topology, making it quite effective.
Disadvantages of Hybrid topology :
Complex design
Costly Hub
Costly infrastructure
Reference :
1. https://www.javatpoint.com/types-of-computer-network
2. https://www.tutorialsmate.com/2020/05/types-of-computer-networks.html
3. https://www.educba.com/types-of-network-topology/
4. https://www.educba.com/types-of-network-topology/
5. https://systemzone.net/computer-network-topology-outline/
6. https://www.tek-tools.com/network/best-network-topology-software