Types of Computer Networks

Study Notes

A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, or office building, facilitating resource sharing and communication between devices within the network.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a large geographical area, connecting LANs and other networks together, often across cities or countries, enabling long-distance communication and access to remote resources.
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) covers a city or a large campus area, interconnecting LANs within a specific geographic area for businesses and organizations.
A Personal Area Network (PAN) connects devices within the immediate proximity of an individual, like Bluetooth devices, for personal device connectivity and data sharing.
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) uses wireless communication technology like Wi-Fi to connect devices within a limited area, providing mobility and flexibility in device connectivity without the need for physical cables.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network, enabling secure remote access to resources, ensuring privacy and security for data transmitted over public networks.

A Router connects multiple networks together, routing data packets between them, and determining the best path for data transmission across networks.
A Switch connects devices within a LAN, managing data traffic between them, and improving network efficiency by sending data only to the intended device.
A Hub connects multiple devices in a LAN, passing data packets to all devices connected to them, functioning at the physical layer of the OSI model.
A Modem converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines, enabling computers to communicate over long distances using existing telephone or cable networks.
An Access Point (AP) allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, extending the range of a wireless network and providing connectivity to wireless devices.