Network and its types

1. Network

2. Network
 A Network consists of two or more separate devices (laptops, printers, servers, etc.)
That are linked together so they can communicate. Each device on a network is
called a node, and various nodes can be connected physically through cables or
wirelessly through radio frequencies.

3. Types of Network

4. LAN-Local Area network
 A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building.
ex: a school or a college.

5. MAN-metropolitan area network
 A Metropolitan area network (MAN) is similar to a local area network (LAN)
but spans an entire city or campus. MANs are formed by connecting multiple
LANs. Thus, mans are larger than lans but smaller than wide area networks
(WAN).

6. WAN-wide area network
 A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that
extends over a large geographical distance.
 A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected
together.

7. PAN-personal area network
 PAN is a network arranged within an
individual person, typically within a
range of 10 meters.
 Personal area network is used for
connecting the computer devices of
personal use is known as personal area
network.
 Thomas zimmerman was the first
research scientist to bring the idea of
the personal area network.
 Personal area network covers an area
of 30 feet.
 Personal computer devices that are
used to develop the personal area
network are the laptop, mobile phones,
media player and play stations.

8. Advantages & disadvantages of Network
Advantages
 Sharing devices such as printers
saves money.
 Files can easily be shared between
users.
 Security is good - users cannot see
other users' files unlike on stand-
alone machines.
 Data is easy to backup as all the data
is stored on the file server.
Disadvantages
 Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can
be expensive.
 Managing a large network is complicated, requires
training and a network manager usually needs to be
employed.
 If the file server breaks down the files on the file
server become inaccessible. Email might still work if
it is on a separate server. The computers can still
be used but are isolated.
 Viruses can spread to other computers throughout
a computer network.
 There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide
area networks. Security procedures are needed to
prevent such abuse, eg a firewall.
