11 Types of Networks Explained: VPN, LAN & More
1.LAN
2.PAN
3.WAN
4.CAN
5.MAN
6.SAN
1.LOCAL AREA NETWORK
A local area network
(LAN) is a group of these computers that are confined to a small geographic area, usually
one building. Setting up a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting
devices to connect those computers together, and a numbering scheme (such as IP
addresses) to differentiate one computer from the next. It can also include servers, some
type of protective device such as a firewall, and connections to perimeter networks that are
adjacent to the LAN.
As mentioned, a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting
devices, and some type of medium to tie it all together, be it cabled or wireless connections.
These must be connected together in some way to facilitate the transfer of data. It is important
to define how they are connected together, as well as how they actually transmit data
In the following exercises, you will:.
■■ Examine typical LAN network documentation.
■■ View the type of network adapter in a computer, inspect the type of connection that
the network adapter makes to the network, and view its Properties page.
■■ Define how information is sent across the LAN.
■■ Configure IP addresses on hosts
You will notice that in the center of the diagram is a hub, also known as a multiport
repeater. This is the most basic of central connecting devices (CCDs); it connects each
of the computers, known as hosts, to each other by way of copper-based cables. When
a host needs to send data, it first sends that data to the hub, where it is amplified and
broadcast to the rest of the network. Broadcasting means that the data is sent out to
every host on the network. Of course, only the intended recipient keeps the data; the
rest of the hosts discard it. Although this is a bit wasteful, it was the standard for a
long time
- A server is used to centralize data and share it with (or serve it to) other computers on the network.
- A PC (personal computer) usually acts as a client on the network, most likely getting its information from the server. The PC can also store information locally.
- A Mac (Macintosh) computer, which is another type of client computer; once again, this computer can store information locally, or get it from the server.
- A laptop, which could be a PC or a Mac, is meant for portability. However, it can also store and access data the same way the other computers do
The hub is replaced with a basic four-port router; these are also referred
to as SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) routers. The router acts as a central connecting
device, connecting the hosts together, but also has a special communications link to
the Internet, allowing the hosts to send and receive data to and from computers on the
Internet. That communications link between the router and the Internet is where the
LAN ends. So, the PC, laptop, server, and router are part of the LAN. Anything else
beyond the router is considered to be outside of the LAN.
Advanced LAN documentation
more central connecting devices are added. Instead of connecting hundreds
of devices to a single central connecting device, you can break up the network in
a hierarchical fashion. For example, on the left side of the figure are two PCs and one
server connected to a hub. Let’s say that these represent 24 computers and that each
other group of computers connected to a hub also represents 24 computers. Instead of
connecting all the computers to a single, central connecting device, which might not
be able to physically support all of the hosts, the groups of 24 hosts are connected to
their own hub. Then, the hubs are all daisy-chained to a switch at the top of the figure.
The switch will most likely be a powerful (and expensive) device, to support
all of the computers that ultimately connect to it. You can regard the individual hubs as
devices that allow connectivity for single departments in a company, or individual classrooms in a school. The master switch at the top of the hierarchical tree connects everything together; however, it also acts as a single point of failure,
ADVANTAGES OF LAN
SPEED
COST
SECURITY
RESOURCE SHARING
2.PERSONAL AREA NETWORK
ADVANTAGES OF PAN
SPEED
COST
SECURITY
RESOURCE SHARING
