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Computer Networks

Computer Networks


A computer network is a set of two or more computers connected together in order to share information and resources like printer and scanner etc. The computers in a network are connected with one another through cables, satellite or telephone lines.The computers in a network are also called nodes, clients, workstations or servers. They can share:
  • File 
  • Resources
  • Programs 



Benefits of Computer Networks
Computer networks are very useful to share information and data among different users. Following are some important benefits of computer networks:

  • Information & Resource Sharing: 
Data and information can be shared among different users. Resources like printer,CD-ROM drive, hard disk and software can also be shared.
  • Money Saving:
People can save a lot of money by using the same software over a network instead of purchasing separate copy of the software for each user.
  • Easy Communication:
A user can communicate with different people very easily using a large network like Internet.People can share information.They can send and receive emails.They can also search information.

 Types of Computers in Networks:

Different computers in a network are of the following types:
  • Terminal Computer:
Every computer that is part of a computer network is called a terminal or node. The users using different terminal computers can share information and send or receive data from one terminal to another.
  • Server Computer:
A server computer in a computer network is used as a central computer. It controls other computers in the network. Server computer is more powerful than terminals.

Types of Computer Networks
Computer networks are categorized according to:
  1. How they are organized physically.
  2. The way they are used.
  3. The distance over which they operate.
Three main types of computer networks are as follows:
  • LAN  (Local Area Network)
  • WAN (Wide Area Network)
  • MAN (Metropolitan-Area Network)

LAN (Local Area Network)
LAN is the most common type of network. LAN stands for Local area Network. It covers a small area. Most LANs are used to connect computers in a single building or group of buildings. Hundreds or thousands of computer maybe connected through LAN. Typical LANs can be found in industrial plants, office buildings, and college or university campuses.
LANs are capable of transmitting data at very fast rate. Data transmission speeds of LAN are 1 to 100 megabits per second. It is much faster than data transmission over a telephone line. LAN can transmit data in a limited distance. There is also a limit on the number of computers that can be attached to the network.

WAN (Wide Area network)
WAN stands for wide area network. It refers to a network that covers a large area. It connects computers in different cities, countries and continents. Normally a WAN consists of two or more interconnected LANs. Computer in WAN are often connected through telephone lines. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.
The speed of WAN depends on the speed provided by the company. Transmission rate of WAN is typically 56kbps to 45Mbps. WAN is expensive than LAN. WAN is not as fast as LAN. The largest WAN in existence is the internet.

Difference between LAN and WAN
The difference between LAN and WAN is as follows:

    LAN
1. LAN is used to connect computers at one place.
2. LAN covers limited area.
3. Data transfer speed is very fast in LAN. Its speed is normally  form 0.1 to 100 Mbps.
4. LAN is less costly.
5. LAN is usually connected through wires.
6. LAN is used for sharing files and hardware like printers, modem etc.
7. LAN has less possibility of data transmission error.

     WAN
1. WAN is used to connect computers anywhere in the world.
2. WAN can cover more distance.
3. Data transfer speed is slow in WAN. Transmission rates are typically 56kbps to 45Mbps.
4. WAN is expensive.
5. WAN is usually connected through telephone lines.  
6. WAN is used to share only data and information like Email and file transfer
7. WAN has higher possibility of data transmission error.

MAN (Metropolitan-Area Network)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a communications network that covers a geographical area of the size of a city. A MAN typically includes one or more LANs but cover a small geographical area than WAN. 

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