Scribd
Upload
112 views

Types of Computer Networks

A computer network connects computers to share resources and communicate. There are five main types of networks: personal area networks (PANs) connecting devices within 1-100m; local area networks (LANs) connecting computers within 2km like a home or office; campus area networks (CANs) spanning buildings within a campus 1-5km; metropolitan area networks (MANs) connecting computers over 5-50km within a city; and wide area networks (WANs) connecting locations over 50km like the Internet. Each network type uses different technologies and has varying transmission speeds, maintenance costs, and ranges.

Uploaded by

thet.htar.oo442
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
112 views

Types of Computer Networks

A computer network connects computers to share resources and communicate. There are five main types of networks: personal area networks (PANs) connecting devices within 1-100m; local area networks (LANs) connecting computers within 2km like a home or office; campus area networks (CANs) spanning buildings within a campus 1-5km; metropolitan area networks (MANs) connecting computers over 5-50km within a city; and wide area networks (WANs) connecting locations over 50km like the Internet. Each network type uses different technologies and has varying transmission speeds, maintenance costs, and ranges.

Uploaded by

thet.htar.oo442
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

Types of Computer

Networks
A computer network is a cluster of computers over a shared
communication path that works to share resources from one computer to
another, provided by or located on the network nodes.
Uses of Computer Networks

• Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.


• Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
• Sharing files.
• Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems.
• Allowing network users to easily access and maintain
information.
Types of Computer Networks
There are mainly five types of Computer Networks

• Personal Area Network (PAN)


• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Campus Area Network (CAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN is the most basic type of computer


network. This network is restrained to a
single person, that is, communication
between the computer devices is
centered only on an individual’s
workspace. PAN offers a network range
of 1 to 100 meters from person to
device providing communication. Its
transmission speed is very high with
very easy maintenance and very low
cost.
Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is a


computer network that connects computers through
a common communication path, contained within a
limited area, that is, locally. A LAN encompasses two
or more computers connected over a server. The
two important technologies involved in this network
are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It ranges up to 2km &
transmission speed is very high with easy
maintenance and low cost.

Examples of LAN are networking in a home, school,


library, laboratory, college, office, etc.
Campus Area Network (CAN)

CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN.


This is a type of computer network that is usually
used in places like a school or colleges. This network
covers a limited geographical area that is, it spreads
across several buildings within the campus. CAN
mainly use Ethernet technology with a range from
1km to 5km.

Its transmission speed is very high with a moderate


maintenance cost and moderate cost.

Examples of CAN are networks that cover schools,


colleges, buildings, etc.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a


WAN. This is the type of computer network
that connects computers over a geographical
distance through a shared communication
path over a city, town, or metropolitan area.
This network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM
as the technology with a range from 5km to
50km. Its transmission speed is average. It is
difficult to maintain and it comes with a high
cost.

Examples of MAN are networking in towns,


cities, a single large city, a large area within
multiple buildings, etc.
Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN is a type of computer network that connects


computers over a large geographical distance
through a shared communication path. It is not
restrained to a single location but extends over
many locations. WAN can also be defined as a group
of local area networks that communicate with each
other with a range above 50km.

Here we use Leased-Line & Dial-up technology. Its


transmission speed is very low and it comes with
very high maintenance and very high cost.

The most common example of WAN is the Internet.


Other Types of Computer Networks

1. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)


2. Storage Area Network (SAN)
3. System-Area Network (SAN)
4. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
5. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
7. Home Area Network (HAN)

You might also like