2. WHAT IS NETWORK?
Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices
that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These
networked devices use a system of rules, called communications
protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless
technologies
Uses of Computer Network:
1. Communication
2. Resource sharing
3. Data sharing
4. Internet Access
5. Remote Access
6. File Transfer
7. Distributed Computing
8. Backup and Recovery
3. ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
1. File sharing:
you can easily share data between different users, or access it remotely if
you keep it on other connected devices.
2. Resource Sharing:
Resource Sharing using network-connected peripheral devices like
printers, scanners and copiers, or sharing software between multiple users, saves money.
3. Sharing Internet:
Sharing a single internet connection - it is cost-efficient and can help protect
your systems if you properly secure the network.
4. Increasing storage capacity:
You can access files and multimedia, such as images and music,
which you store remotely on other machines or network-attached storage devices.
5. TYPES OF NETWORK:
LAN(Local Area Network)
WAN(Wide Area Network)
MAN(Metropolitan Area Network
6. 1.LAN(LOCAL AREA NETWORK):
The term "LAN" stands for "Local Area Network." It refers to a computer network that
spans a relatively small area, typically within a single building or campus. LANs are used
for connecting devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other peripherals to share
resources and information.
Characteristics of Local Area Network:
1. Limited Graphic Area
2. High-Data Transfer
3. Private Ownership
4. Connectivity
5. Resource Sharing
The term "LAN" stands for "Local Area Network." It refers to a computer network that spans a
relatively small area, typically within a single building or campus. LANs are used for connecting
devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other peripherals to share resources and information
7. DISADVANTAGES OF LAN:
Limited Range:
Cost of Infrastructure
Complex ability
Security Concern
Single point of Failure
Scalability challenges
8. WAN (WIDE AREA NETWORK)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of computer network that covers a broad geographical area,
often spanning multiple cities, countries, or even continents. Unlike Local Area Networks (LANs),
which are confined to a small geographic area like a single building or campus.
Geographical Coverage: WANs cover large geographic areas and are typically used to connect
LANs in different locations.
Networking Devices: WANs consist of networking devices such as routers, switches, and
modems, which help in transmitting data between different LANs
Internet Connectivity: The Internet itself can be considered a massive WAN that connects
millions of LANs worldwide
Service Providers: WANs are often provided and managed by telecommunication companies or
Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These providers offer various WAN services, such as leased
lines, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) networks.
Data Transmission: WANs transmit data across long distances using various
transmission mediums and technologie
9. ADVANTAGES OF WAN:
1. Coverage: WANs connect devices over large distances, spanning
cities, countries,
2. Resource Sharing: WANs allow for efficient sharing of resources
such as printers, servers, and databases among multiple
locations or branches of an organization.
3. Centralized Data Management: With WANs, organizations can
centralize their data management.
4. Cost Savings: By consolidating resources and centralizing
management, WANs can lead to cost savings compared to
maintaining separate networks for each location.
5. Scalability: WANs can easily scale to accommodate the growing
10. DISADVANTAGES OF WAN:
1. Cost: Setting up and maintaining WANs can be expensive
due to the need for specialized equipment, leased lines,
and ongoing maintenance costs.
2. Latency: Data transmission over long distances can
introduce latency, causing delays in communication and
affecting real-time application.
3. Security Risks: Transmitting data over long distances
increases the exposure to security threats such as hacking,
data interception, and unauthorized access.
4. Bandwidth Limitations: WAN performance can be limited by
available bandwidth, which may not always meet the
11. MAN (METROPOLITAN AREA
NETWORK)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a type of network that
covers a larger geographical area than a Local Area Network
(LAN) but smaller than a Wide Area Network (WAN). MANs
typically span a city or a large campus
Characteristics of MAN:
1. Size
2. High speed
3. Scalability
4. Cost effectiveness
5. Local control
6. Reliability
12. DISADVANTAGES OF MAN:
1. Complexity: MANs can be complex to design, implement, and
manage due to their larger scale and diverse infrastructure
requirements.
2. Cost: Building and maintaining a MAN infrastructure can be
expensive, especially when deploying high-speed
connections, such as fiber optics, and purchasing equipment
like switches, routers, and access points.
3. Security Risks: MANs are vulnerable to security threats,
including unauthorized access, data breaches, and
cyberattacks. Securing a large-scale network spanning
multiple locations requires robust security measures, such as
encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, which
13. CAPMERSION OF THESE
NETWORKS:
• Geographical Coverage:
LAN: Covers a small geographic area, such as a single building,
office, or campus.
MAN: Covers a larger geographic area than LANs but smaller than
WANs, typically spanning a city or a large campus.
WAN: Covers a wide geographic area, such as multiple cities,
regions, or even countries, connecting LANs and MANs over long
distances.
• Size and Scale:
LAN: Typically serves a small number of users or devices
within a limited area.
MAN: Serves a larger number of users or devices across
multiple locations within a metropolitan area
WAN: Connects a vast number of users or devices
dispersed over large distances, often spanning multiple
14. • Speed and Bandwidth:
LAN: Offers high-speed connections, often with gigabit or even
multi-gigabit speeds, suitable for local data transfer and
resource sharing.
MAN: Provides moderate to high-speed connections, capable of
supporting the communication needs of businesses, educational
institutions, and municipal networks within a metropolitan area.
WAN: Offers variable speeds depending on the underlying
technologies and distances involved, with transmission rates
ranging from low-speed connections like dial-up to high-speed
connections like fiber optics.
• Cost:
LAN: Generally cost-effective to deploy and maintain due to the
smaller scale and localized infrastructure.
MAN: Moderately expensive compared to LANs due to the larger
scale and infrastructure requirements, including high-speed
connections and equipment.
WAN: Can be costly to establish and operate due to the extensive
infrastructure, long-distance connections, and ongoing
15. • Reliability:
LAN: Highly reliable with low latency and minimal risk of
disruptions, making it suitable for real-time applications and
critical business operations.
MAN: Generally reliable but may experience occasional
downtime or performance issues due to factors like
equipment failures, network congestion, or environmental
• Security:
• LAN: Easier to secure and monitor due to the localized
nature, making it suitable for implementing robust security
measures like firewalls, access controls, and intrusion
detection systems.
• MAN: Requires comprehensive security measures to protect
against unauthorized access, data breaches, and
cyberattacks, especially when connecting multiple locations
and diverse networks within a metropolitan area.
• WAN: Presents greater security challenges due to the
extensive reach and exposure to external threats, requiring
advanced security solutions and encryption protocols to
safeguard data transmission and network integrity.
