What is a Computer Network?

A Computer Network is a group of two or more interconnected computer

systems that use common connection protocols for sharing various resources
and files. You can establish a computer network connection using either cable
or wireless media. Every network involves hardware and software that connects
computers and tools.

Different Types of Computer Networks

There are various types of Computer Networking options available. The
classification of network in computers can be done according to their size as
well as their purpose.
The size of a network should be expressed by the geographic area and number
of computers, which are a part of their networks. It includes devices housed in a
single room to millions of devices spread across the world. Following are the
popular types of Computer Network:

Types of Computer Networks

Some of the most popular computer network types are:
 PAN (Personal Area Network)
 LAN (Local Area Network)
  MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 WAN (Wide Area Network)
Let’s study all of these types of networking in detail.

What is PAN (Personal Area Network)?

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It
generally consists of a computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can
be used for establishing communication among these personal devices for
connecting to a digital network and the internet.
Characteristics of PAN
Below are the main characteristics of PAN:
 It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.
 Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the surrounding
of a single user.
 PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.
 It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
 Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems.
Advantages of PAN
Here are the important pros/benefits of PAN network:
 PAN networks are relatively secure and safe
 It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters
 Strictly restricted to a small area
Disadvantages of PAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of using PAN network:
It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio
bands.
Distance limits.
What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices
which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and
office building. It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files,
printers, games, and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is to
connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN
will be used as one type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists
of less than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:
 It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
 LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
 There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring
and ethernet.

Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:
  Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share
local area networks. This significantly reduces the cost of hardware
purchases.
 You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the
licensed software for each client in the network.
 Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server
computer.
 You can easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.
 It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more
secure.
 Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection
among all the LAN users.
Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:
 LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the
initial cost of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
 The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does
not offer good privacy.
 Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN
admin is not able to secure centralized data repository.
 Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are
issues related to software setup and hardware failures

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is
spread across a large geographical area. WAN network system could be a
connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and
radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
Characteristics of WAN
Below are the characteristics of WAN:
 The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can
access to the latest files.
 Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.
Advantages of WAN
Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:
 WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business
offices situated at longer distances can easily communicate.
 Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming
consoles, etc.
 WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into
client devices.
Disadvantages of WAN
Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:
The initial setup cost of investment is very high.
It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians
and network administrators.
There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the
use of different technologies.
It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of
multiple wired and wireless technologies.
Offers lower security compared to other types of network in computer.

5) Home Area Network (HAN):

A Home Area Network is always built using two or more interconnected
computers to form a local area network (LAN) within the home. For example, in
the United States, about 15 million homes have more than one computer.
These types of network connections help computer owners to interconnect with
multiple computers. This network allows sharing files, programs, printers, and
other peripherals.
7) Campus Area Network (CAN):
A Campus Area Network is made up of an interconnection of LANs within a
specific geographical area. For example, a university campus can be linked with
a variety of campus buildings to connect all the academic departments.