10 Types Of Computer Network Explained In Simple English

There are several types of computer network based on the coverage area, how devices interconnect and communicate. A computer network is a group of computers interconnected with each other through a transmission medium.

Types Of Computer Network Explained - Local Area Network
A local area network using the bus topology

A-List of Types of Computer Network

  1. Local Area Network (LAN)
  2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
  4. Personal Area Network (PAN)
  5. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
  6. Campus Area Network (CAN)
  7. Storage-Area Network (SAN)
  8. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
  9. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  10. Global Area Networks (GAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

This is a group of computers and other systems located reasonably close to one another within a building or site. This makes it possible for users to communicate and share resources. This could be for example within a campus or company premises. LANs can be small, linking as few as three computers. But they can often link hundreds of computers used by thousands of people. The development of standard networking protocols and media has resulted in the worldwide growth of LANs throughout the business and educational organizations.

Advantages of Local Area Network

  1. Easy to troubleshoot
  2. Cheap to install and monitor
  3. More secure
  4. Less vulnerable to attenuation
  5. Low error rates
  6. It has a faster data transfer rate

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

It is a network that covers an entire city or town. It is created by connecting several LANs. For example, it can be a network covering all the police stations in a big city, local government authorities, and colleges among others. They make use of wireless infrastructure or optical fibre connections to link sites.

Advantages

  • It enhances communication
  • It offers a faster passage of data.

Disadvantages

  • It is expensive to install and maintain.
  • It’s susceptible to tapping.
  • It’s susceptible to attenuation.
  • It has high error rates.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

It’s a network that connects computers across a large geographical area of a city or country. It consists of several sections of LAN’s and MAN’s connected together by devices such as routers and bridges.

A WAN transmits information by telephone lines, dark fibre services, MPLS, Ethernet, SD-WAN, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) lines, Radio waves, or satellite Microwave. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet. Another good example of a WAN is a network of bank cash dispensers.

A Wide Area Network
A Wide Area Network

Accessing a WAN

The most common method of accessing a WAN is via the use of Dial-up Access, leased line or use of ADSL.

Dial-up Access

It’s a method of connecting a network using a modem (A device that changes digital signals to analogue signals and vice versa for communication on regular telephone lines and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). It’s simply a telephone conversation between computers. Quality of connection depends on the quality of the line.

NOTE: – PSTN –The telephone infrastructure that relies on circuit switching or other switching technology to operate closed circuits for voice conversation.

Leased Lines
  • They are dedicated permanent connections that run directly between sites or from a company’s premises to an internet service providers Point of Presence (PoP). It is rented on an annual basis and usually carries voice and data or both.
  • They are mostly used for either internet access or used privately between two customer sites. Unlike a dial-up connection, a dedicated leased line is always active.
  • They can be based on fibre, copper or radio microwave licensed wireless communications frequency.
  • Customers pay a premium for a dedicated leased line. It is supported by a Comprehensive Service Agreement (SLA) with guaranteed fix time and a compensation clause.
  • Bandwidth is tailored to a company’s exact requirements.
ADSL
  • Asymmetrical digital subscriber Line- It’s a form of DSL, a data communication technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide. This is achieved by utilizing frequencies not used by a voice telephone.
  • A splitter or a microfilter allows a single telephone connection to be used for both ADSL services and voice calls at the same time.
  • Data carried by the ADSL is typically routed over the telephone company’s data network and eventually reaches the conventional Internet Network.

Advantages of WAN

  • Centralized infrastructure
  • Privacy
  • Increased Bandwidth
  • An increased area of coverage

Disadvantages of WAN

  • It is expensive to install and maintain
  • Have high error rates
  • It is susceptible to tapping
  • It is slow
  • Prone to security issues
  • Resolution of issues takes time

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Among the list of types of computer network, this is the smallest and most basic type. PAN is made up of a wireless modem, a personal computer or two, phones, printers, tablets, among others. It is a simple network created by one individual in a building. This type of network is basically found in a small office or a home. It is managed by one person or organization from a single device.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A wireless LAN is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication such as WI-FI to form a local area network (LAN). This type of computer network is implemented within a limited area such as a school, home, campus, computer classes, or office building.

Campus Area Network (CAN)

This is an interconnection of local-area networks within a limited geographical area such as a school campus or a military camp. Most Campus Area Networks connect to the public internet.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A Storage Area Network is a computer network that provides access to consolidated, block-level data storage. SANs are mostly used to access storage devices, such as disk arrays and tape libraries from servers so that the devices appear to the operating system as directly connected storage.

Storage Area Computer Network
A Storage Area Network

Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

These types of networks are built, owned, and managed by businesses that want to securely connect their various locations to share computer resources.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

In this type of network, a private network is extended across the Internet letting its users send and receive data as if their devices were connected to the private network – even if they’re not. Using a virtual point-to-point connection, users can access a private network remotely.

Global Area Networks (GAN)

This is a type of network composed of different interconnected networks that cover an unlimited geographical area.

Conclusion

That is our list comprising of 10 types of computer network explained. You can point out here below in the comments section the ones I have missed out. If you have enjoyed it feel free to share it with others. Thank you very much. We thrive because of you and we value your support.

Network Types Explained

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