Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices that share resources and
information. These devices can include computers, servers, printers, and other hardware.
Networks allow for the efficient exchange of data, enabling various applications such as
email, file sharing, and internet browsing.
Network: A group of connected computers and devices that can communicate and
share data with each other.
Node: Any device that can send, receive, or forward data in a network. This includes
laptops, mobiles, printers, earbuds, servers, etc.
Networking Devices: Devices that manage and support networking functions. This
includes routers, switches, hubs, and access points.
Transmission Media: The physical or wireless medium through which data travels
between devices.
Wired media: Ethernet cables, optical fiber.
Wireless media: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared
Service Provider Networks: Networks offered by external providers that allow users
or organizations to lease network access and capabilities. This includes internet
providers, mobile carriers, etc.
How Does a Computer Network Work
Basics building blocks of a Computer network are Nodes and Links.
Network Node: Any device in a network, such as a modem, router, or computer, that
sends or receives data.
Link: The medium that connects nodes, like cables, wires, or wireless signals.
Working: Networks use rules called protocols to send and receive data between
devices. Each device is identified by a unique IP Address.
Firewall: A security tool (hardware or software) that monitors traffic. Based on set
rules, it either allows, blocks, or drops data.
Types of Network -
The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different computers via
any medium. LAN, MAN, and WAN are the three major types of networks designed to operate
over the area they cover.
The different types of networks can be categorised based on the area they cover (ranging
from personal connections to global networks), the type of communication they use, and
their architectural design.
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is a short-range network that connects personal devices like smartphones, tablets, and
computers. It typically covers less than 10 meters (about 33 feet) and usually uses wireless
technologies such as Bluetooth. PAN is smaller than other networks like LAN or WAN and is
mainly used for data sharing between a few devices.
Advantages:
Allows for easy communication between personal devices in close proximity.
Uses wireless technology, which eliminates the need for wires and cables.
PANs are designed to be energy efficient, which means that devices can communicate
with each other without draining their batteries quickly.
Disadvantages:
Limited coverage area.
PANs have limited bandwidth, so they are not suitable for large-scale or high-speed
data transfer.
May experience interference from other wireless devices.
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN connects computers and devices within a small area like a home, office, school, or
hospital. It usually uses switches, routers, and private IP addresses. LANs are high-speed,
inexpensive to set up, and easy to maintain.
Coverage: Up to 2 km (limited area).
Speed: Earlier 4–16 Mbps; now 100–1000 Mbps.
Medium: Mostly wired (Ethernet cables, twisted-pair, coaxial), though wireless can
also be used.
Example: Students playing a multiplayer game in the same room without internet.
Advantages:
Provides fast data transfer rates and high-speed communication.
Easy to set up and manage.
Can be used to share peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.
Disadvantages:
Limited geographical coverage.
Limited scalability and may require significant infrastructure upgrades to
accommodate growth.
May experience congestion and network performance issues with increased usage.
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN spans 5–50 km, covering more area than a LAN but less than a WAN. It connects
computers across a city or between nearby cities. MANs provide high-speed connectivity (in
Mbps), can act as ISPs, and are useful for organizations needing fast communication.
However, they are costly, complex to design, and harder to maintain.
Advantages:
Provides high-speed connectivity over a larger geographical area than LAN.
Can be used as an ISP for multiple customers.
Offers higher data transfer rates than WAN in some cases.
Disadvantages:
Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
May experience congestion and network performance issues with increased usage.
May have limited fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.
4. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN covers large geographical areas (above 50 km), often connecting multiple LANs
through telephone lines, radio waves, or satellites. It can be private (for organizations) or
public (like the internet). WANs offer high-speed communication but are costly to set up and
maintain.
Advantages:
Covers large geographical areas and can connect remote locations.
Provides connectivity to the internet.
Offers remote access to resources and applications.
Disadvantages:
Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
Offers slower data transfer rates than LAN or MAN.
May have lower fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.