What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is an interconnected system of devices, represented as network nodes, that share information, data, and resources with each other.
Depending on the network type, devices can be as simple as computers or smartphones connecting to a network. More extensive networks use devices like routers and switch to create the underlying network infrastructure
There are several types of networks, each existing to support the devices, size, and location of the system. Networks also have differing levels of access and forms of connectivity.
Here are the most common types of networks:
A personal area network (PAN) is the smallest and simplest type of network. PANs connect devices within the range of an individual and are no larger than about 10 meters (m). Because PANs operate in such limited areas of space, most are wireless and provide short-range connectivity with infrared technology.
A local area network (LAN) is a system where computers and other devices connect to each other in one location. While PANs connect devices around an individual, the scope of a LAN can range from a few meters in a home to hundreds of meters in a large company office. The network topology determines how devices in LANs interconnect.- Metropolitan area network
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is an interconnection of several LANs throughout a city, town, or municipality. Like LANs, a MAN can use various wired or wireless connectivity options including fiber optics, Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi, or cellular.
A campus network, sometimes referred to as a campus area network or CAN, is a network of interconnected, dispersed LANs. Like MANs, campus networks extend coverage to buildings close in proximity. The difference between the two configurations is that campus networks connect LANs within a limited geographical area, while MANs connect LANs within a larger metro area. The geographical range of a campus network varies from 1 kilometer to 5 km, while MANs can extend to 50 km.
A wide area network (WAN) is the most expansive type of computer network configuration. Like a MAN, a WAN is a connection of multiple LANs belonging to the same network. Unlike MANs, however, WANs aren't restricted to the confines of city limits. A WAN can extend to any area of the globe. For example, an organization with a corporate office in New York can connect a branch location in London in the same WAN. Users in both locations obtain access to the same data, files, and applications, and can communicate with each other.
A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of globally distributed servers that deliver dynamic multimedia content -- such as interactive ads or video content -- to web-based internet users. CDNs use specialized servers that deliver bandwidth-heavy rich media content by caching it and speeding up the delivery time. CDN providers deploy these digitized servers globally at a network edge, creating geographically distributed points of presence.
A virtual private network (VPN) creates a private network overlay across an existing public network. VPNs use tunneling protocols that create encrypted connections between the network and client devices. Network traffic travels over the VPN service's secure, encrypted tunnels instead of a public network, effectively hiding a user's IP address and data from ISPs and cybersecurity hackers. The user's location appears to be wherever the VPN server exists.-References:https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/7-types-of-networks-and-their-use-cases
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