Types of Networks Overview

What is a Network?

• A collection of interconnected devices (nodes) sharing data, resources, and services.
• Includes computers, smartphones, servers, printers, etc.

Types of Networks

• LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices over a short distance (office, home).
  • Commonly used: Ethernet LAN
  • Allows sharing of data, files, and resources.
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Similar to LAN but uses wireless communication.
  • Typically involves a Wi-Fi router or access point.
• CAN (Campus Area Network): Closed corporate communication network.
  • May contain private or public parts.
  • Commonly used in colleges, academies, and corporate sites.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Larger than LAN but smaller than WAN.
  • Covers several buildings in the same city.
  • Connected via fiber optic cable.
  • Managed by cities and government bodies.
• PAN (Personal Area Network): Used personally, connecting devices like smartphones and laptops.
  • Used for syncing content and sharing small files.
  • Connects via wireless networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared).
• SAN (Storage Area Network): Specialized high-speed network for block-level data storage.
  • Provides shared access to cloud storage.
  • Consists of switches, servers, and disk arrays.
  • Fault-tolerant, allowing data access even if a switch or server fails.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts internet connection, hiding IP address and location.
  • Boosts online privacy and secures data.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects devices over a wide geographical area (country, continent).
  • Includes multiple LANs, MANs, and CANs.
  • Example: The internet.

Network Architecture

• Client-Server: A central server provides services to multiple clients.
  • Example: Web servers providing web pages.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Devices share resources directly without a central authority.

Network Devices

• Router: Routes data between different networks.
  • Often used to connect a local network to the internet.
• Switch: Directs data within a local network.
  • Ensures data is sent only to the intended device.
• Hub: Basic networking device that broadcasts data to all connected devices.
  • Can cause traffic congestion.
• Modem: Converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa.
  • Used for transmission over telephone or cable lines.

IP Addressing

• IP Address: Unique identifier assigned to each device on a network.
  • IPv4: 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
  • IPv6: 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
    • Developed to increase available address space.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

• Public IP: Used on the internet for unique device identification.
• Private IP: Used within local networks, not visible on the internet.

Data Transmission Concepts

• Bandwidth: Maximum capacity of a network connection.
  • Measured in bits per second (bps).
  • Higher bandwidth allows faster data transmission.
• Latency: Time delay between sending and receiving data.
  • Low latency is important for applications like gaming and video conferencing.
• Throughput: Actual amount of data transmitted over a network.
  • Can be lower than bandwidth due to congestion or other issues.

Network Topologies

• Bus Topology: All devices share a single communication line.
  • Simple but can lead to bottlenecks.
• Star Topology: Devices connect to a central hub or switch.
  • Offers better performance and fault tolerance than a bus topology.

This quiz covers the various types of computer networks including LAN, WLAN, CAN, MAN, and PAN. Each type is defined by its own characteristics and use cases in different environments. Test your knowledge on network fundamentals with this engaging quiz.