A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to share resources and information. These devices can include computers, servers, routers, switches, and other networked hardware. The primary purpose of a computer network is to enable data exchange and resource sharing between devices.
Very limited range, typically within a few meters.
Connects personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Example: Bluetooth connections between a smartphone and a headset.
Covers a small geographic area, like a single building or campus.
Common in homes, offices, and schools to connect devices and share resources such as printers and files. Example: A network within an office building allowing employees to share files and printers.
Covers a large geographic area, often spanning cities, countries, or even continents.
Connects multiple LANs or other networks over long distances. Example: The internet, which connects various LANs across the globe.
Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically covering a city or a large campus.
Often used by organizations or municipalities to connect different buildings or sites within a city. Example: A university network spanning multiple campus buildings.
A network that spans multiple buildings within a campus, such as a university or a business park.
Similar to a MAN but usually restricted to a single institution or organization. Example: The network infrastructure of a university connecting various departments and facilities.
A network that covers an extensive global area.
Provides global connectivity for users. Example: Satellite networks or large-scale corporate networks spanning multiple countries.
Specialized network designed to provide high-speed, low-latency access to storage devices.
Used in data centers to manage and consolidate storage resources. Example: A network connecting servers to a shared storage array.
Can operate over any type of network, such as a LAN or WAN.
Provides a secure connection over a public network (like the internet) to access resources as if on a private network. Example: Remote workers using a VPN to access a company’s internal network securely.
The way devices are arranged in a network is known as the topology. Common topologies include
All devices are connected to a central hub or switch. It's easy to manage and troubleshoot but relies heavily on the central device.
All devices share a single communication line or cable. It’s simple and cost-effective but can be prone to congestion and failures.
Devices are connected in a circular fashion, where each device has exactly two neighbors. It can be efficient but can be disrupted if one connection fails.
Devices are interconnected, providing multiple paths for data to travel. It’s highly reliable and robust but can be complex and expensive to implement.
Combines two or more different topologies to leverage their strengths. For example, a star-bus network combines star and bus topologies.
In essence, a computer network facilitates communication and resource sharing between devices, and its design can vary widely based on geographic scope, purpose, and structure. Each type of network serves different needs and comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.
