Computer Networking

 WHAT IS COMPUTER NETWORKING?

The group of interconnected autonomus computers is called computer networking.

Types of Computer Networks

There are five main types of Computer  Networks:

1. LAN (Local Area Network) – 
   • Systems connected in a small network like in a building or a small office
   • It is inexpensive
   • It uses Ethernet or Token-ring technology
   • Two or more personal computers can be connected through wires or cables acting as nodes
   • Transfer of data is fast and is highly score
2. PAN (Personal Area Network) – 
   • The smallest computer network
   • Devices may be connected through Bluetooth or other infra-red enables devices
   • It has a connectivity range of upto 10 metres
   • It covers an area of upto 30 feet
   • Personal devices belonging to a single person can be connected to each other using PAN
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – 
   • A network that can be connected within a city, for example, cable TV Connection
   • It can be in the form of Ethernet, ATM, Token-ring and FDDI
   • It has a higher range
   • This type of network can be used to connect citizens with the various Organisations
4. WAN (Wide Area Network) – 
   • A network which covers over a country or a larger range of people
   • Telephonic lines are also connected through WAN
   • Internet is the biggest WAN in the world
   • Mostly used by Government Organisations to manage data and information
5. VPN (Virtual Private Network): – 
• A network which is constructed by using public wires to connect to a private network
• There are a number of systems which enable you to create networks using the Internet as a medium for transporting data
• These systems use encryptions and other security mechanisms to ensure only authorised users can access