Network

Types of Computer Network

A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the computer to communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and applications.

A computer network can be categorized by their size. A computer network is mainly of four types:

Computer Network Types

  • LAN(Local Area Network)
  • PAN(Personal Area Network)
  • MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
  • WAN(Wide Area Network)

Local Area Network :

  • Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as building, office.
  • LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
  • Computer Network Types

PAN(Personal Area Network)

  • Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual person, typically within a range of 10 meters.
  • Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer devices of personal use is known as Computer Network Types

  • MAN(Metropolitan Area Network):

    • A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
    • Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and private industries.
    • In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other through a telephone exchange line.
    • Computer Network Types

WAN(Wide Area Network)

  • A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such as states or countries.
  • A Wide Area Network is quite bigger network than the LAN.
  • A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large geographical area through a telephone line, fibre optic cable or satellite links.
  • The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.
  • Computer Network Types