INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORK
Define Computer Network?
A computer network is a group of computers connected together to share information, files, and
resources like the internet or a printer.
Write down benefits of Computer Network?
Here are some benefits of a computer network:
File Sharing – You can easily share files between computers.
Internet Sharing – Many computers can use one internet connection.
Resource Sharing – Devices like printers and scanners can be shared.
Communication – Helps people talk and work together through email, chat, or video calls.
Data Backup – Important files can be stored in one place for safety.
Cost Saving – Saves money by sharing hardware and software.
Central Management – One place to manage users, software, and security (especially in
offices).
Faster Access – Get information quickly from other connected devices.
Explain Types of Computer Network?
Types of Computer Networks:
LAN (Local Area Network)
Works in a small area like a home, school, or office.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A large network that connects cities, countries, or even the entire world. Example: the internet.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Connects computers within a city or a large campus.
PAN (Personal Area Network)
A very small network, like connecting your phone to a laptop via Bluetooth.
Advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer Network?
LAN (Local Area Network)
Advantages:
High speed – Fast data transfer within a small area.
Low cost – Easy to set up and maintain for small businesses or homes.
Resource sharing – Devices like printers and files can be shared easily.
Disadvantages:
Limited range – Works only in a small area like a home or office.
Security risks – If not secured properly, data can be accessed by unauthorized users.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Advantages:
Global connectivity – Connects computers across cities, countries, and even the world (like the
internet).
Large coverage area – It can cover a vast geographical area.
Disadvantages:
Expensive setup – Setting up a WAN can be costly, requiring special equipment and services.
Slower speeds – Data transfer speeds can be slower compared to LAN due to the long distance.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Advantages:
Faster than WAN – It provides a high-speed connection over a larger area than LAN.
Good for cities – Perfect for connecting computers across a city or large campus.
Disadvantages:
Expensive – Setting up and maintaining a MAN can be costly.
Limited to city areas – Not suitable for large-scale or global connectivity.
PAN (Personal Area Network)
Advantages:
Very small range – Ideal for connecting devices close to each other (like a phone and laptop).
Easy to set up – Setting up a PAN requires minimal effort and low-cost devices (like Bluetooth).
Disadvantages:
Limited range – Can only connect devices that are very close together.
Low data transfer rate – Speed is generally slower compared to other types of networks.
Differences between types of network
LAN MAN PAN
WAN
Feature (Local Area (Metropolitan Area (Personal Area
(Wide Area Network)
Network) Network) Network)
Small area (home, Large area (city, Medium area (city, Very short range (few
Range
office) country, global) campus) meters)
High (1 Gbps or Slow (due to long Faster than WAN,
Speed Low (for small tasks)
more) distances) similar to LAN
Cost Low High Medium Low
Setup Complex and
Easy Moderate Simple and quick
Complexity expensive
Small-area
Global communication City-wide or campus- Personal device
Main Use communication and
(Internet) wide networks connection
file sharing
The Internet,
Home network, City Wi-Fi, university Bluetooth connections
Example multinational company
office network campus networks (e.g., phone to laptop)
networks