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Module 4a_ Senior High Computer System Servicing NCII

This document provides an overview of computer networks, defining them as groups of interconnected computers that facilitate communication and resource sharing. It classifies networks into four main types based on size: Local Area Network (LAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN), each with distinct characteristics and applications. Additional types of networks, such as Wireless LANs and Campus Area Networks, are also briefly mentioned.

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5 views3 pages

Module 4a_ Senior High Computer System Servicing NCII

This document provides an overview of computer networks, defining them as groups of interconnected computers that facilitate communication and resource sharing. It classifies networks into four main types based on size: Local Area Network (LAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN), each with distinct characteristics and applications. Additional types of networks, such as Wireless LANs and Campus Area Networks, are also briefly mentioned.

Uploaded by

Louie Jr Azul
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Module 4: Setting-up Computer Networks

UC 2 - LO 1 | INSTALL NETWORK CABLES

LESSON 1: Network Design

After reading this lesson, you should be able to (1) describe what a network is, (2) compare the types of computer
network, and (3) interpret a network design.

WHAT IS A NETWORK?

Computer network is a term that refers to any group of computers that are linked to one another, allowing for
communication among them. A network also allows member computers to share applications, data, and other network
resources (file servers, printers, and many others).

Computer networks may be differentiated according to size, functionality, and even location. However, size is the main
criterion with which computer networks are classified. Thus, there are a number of unique computer networks that we
shall discuss individually in the next chapter.

NETWORK TYPES

The following are the four major classifications of computer networks based on size:

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

2. Personal Area Network (PAN)

3. Metropolitan Are Network (MAN)

4. Wide Area Network (WAN)

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN refers to any group of computers that are linked to one another, a small area like an office or a small building. In a
LAN, two or more computers are connected via communication media like coaxial cables, twisted pair cable, or fiber-
optic cable.
It is easy and less costly to set up a LAN since it can do just fine with inexpensive network hardware such as switches,
Ethernet cables and network adapters. The limited traffic allows for faster transmission of data over LANs.

Besides, LANs are easy to manage since they are set up in a small space. Thus, even security enforcement is also
enhanced through closer monitoring of activities within the network’s geographical location.

2. Personal Area Network (PAN)

A PAN is a network that surrounds an individual. A wireless PAN (WPAN) might be created between Bluetooth devices.

There are 2 classes of PANSs:

Wired PANs:

a wired personal area network is created when a person uses a USB cable to connect two different hardware devices.
For instance, it is a common practice nowadays to connect a phone to a computer via a USB cable to share files, access
the Internet, and many other things.

Wireless PANs:

a wireless PAN is set up by the use of existing wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This is basically a low-
range technology network type.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is a type of network that extends over a larger geographical area by different interconnecting LANs to form a
bigger network of computers. Thus, it covers a wider area than a LAN.

MANs are ideally set up in cities and big towns. Hence, the name metropolitan area network. It is often used by
government agencies to connect with citizens some big institutions; communication among banking institutions within a
given city; in big institutions of higher learning located in a metropolis; and even used for communication in military
bases within a city/town.
The commonly adopted Metropolitan area network protocols include Frame Relay, ISDN, RS-232, ADSL, ATM, and OC-3,
among others.

4. Wide Area Network (WAN)

This is a network that stretches over large geographical regions-cities, states, and even countries. It is bigger than LAN or
MAN. It is not restricted to a particular geographical location. It spans over large geographical locations by the use of
telephone lines, satellite links, or fiber optic cables.

The Internet is a perfect example among the existing WANs globally. WANs are widely embraced for education,
government, and business activities.

OTHER TYPES OF AREA NETWORKS

Wireless Local Area Network:

A LAN based on Wi-Fi wireless network technology.

Campus Area Network:

A network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN, such as on a university or local business campus.

Storage Area Network: |

Connects servers to data storage devices through technology like Fibre Channel.

System Area Network:

This is also called Cluster Area Network, or CAN. It links high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a
cluster configuration.

Passive Optical Local Area Network:

A POLAN serves fiber by using fiber optic splitters to allow a single optical fiber to serve multiple devices.

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