What is a Computer Network? – Types & Definition

In this blog, We will discuss what is a computer network, it’s advantages, types, and definitions.

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a set of computers, printers, switches, networking devices that are connected together for sharing information with each other. In other words simply defines as interconnections of two or more computers, network devices, printers, switches, routers, etc.

Computer networks are used in our homes, schools, colleges, railway stations, offices, and businesses. They help us to send an email, watch a live sports event on our computer, book rail/air tickets and do chatting with our friends.

A computer network is a basic platform for communications devices. Computer networking started in late 1950 used by the US military for Radar System.

Advantages of using Computer Networks

We are using Computer Networks for following reason:-

Resource sharing: A network is needed because it allows user to share the sharable programs, data, Internet, and resources available to anyone on the network without regard to the physical location of the resource and the user. You can also share the processing load on various networked resources for communications with each other.

High reliability: A network may have alternative sources for such as, replicated files, multiple CPUs, Printers, etc. In the case of any device failure of the network, the others could be used and the network continues to operate at reduced performance. This is a very important property for Railways, military, banking, air traffic control, and many other sectors.

Cost-benefit: it’s not possible to allow each and every people to separate printers and store external resources for storing data. Computers Network allows users to store their information in a dedicated server and the user can be taken print from one dedicated printer. Such a system may be given benefits of down the cost.

Scalability: Computer Network ability to increase system performance gradually by adding more processors and Devices.

Powerful communication medium: Computer network is powerful communication medium to enhance computer to computer communication may prove more important than technical goals such as improved reliability.

Types of Computer Network

There are many different types of Networks that can be used for different organizations for different purposes. The following network types might be come across:-

1. Local Area Network

A Local Area Network is used to communicate within a small area such as small offices, Rooms Hotels, etc. The maximum range of local Area Network is up to 10 KM.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network is larger than a local area set up and it provides the regional connectivity to the city to city. A most common example of MAN type network in our daily life the Cable television network. The maximum range of local Area Network is up to 50 KM.

3. Campus Area Network (CAN)

A Campus Area Network used by government Campus, School, College and University typically a network across a set of buildings, Campus, Hall that are close together

4. Personal Area Network (PAN)

This type of Computer network is mainly created for an individual person. It consists of a desktop or laptop computer, a mobile phone and or a handheld computing device, such as a PDA or smartphone. You can use these networks to transfer files including email calendar appointments, digital photos, and music. Personal is a network generally cover a range of fewer than 10 meters.

5. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network located at faraway places, linked by communication facilities like telecommunication or satellite signals. The most common Example of WAn type network in our daily life the Telecoms system. The main benefits of WAN are that it requires a public telecommunication media to transfer data.

6. Home Area Networks (HAN)

Home area Networks connected with devices within home such as personal computers, Television, Cameras Tablet, etc.

7. Global Area Networks (GAN)

Global Area Network allow user to connect his devices all over the world via Internet.

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