DCN - Types of Computer Network

• A computer network is a collection of computers that are linked together so that one computer can communicate with another and share resources, data, and applications.
• A computer network is a collection of two or more computers that are linked together to exchange data electronically.
• A computer network can be categorized in form of their size. A computer network can be classified into four types-

1. LAN(Local Area Network)
2. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
3. WAN(Wide Area Network)
4. PAN(Personal Area Network)

Local Area Network

• A local area network, sometimes known as a LAN, is a network that connects computers in a small region. This might happen in a classroom, an office, or even your own house.
• The term "local area network" refers to a computer network that spans an entire building and is managed by a single administrative system (LAN). 
• LAN often includes the offices, schools, colleges, and universities of a company. The number of systems connected in a LAN might range from two to sixteen million.
• A local area network (LAN) is a good mechanism for end users to share resources.
• Printers, file servers, scanners, and the internet are all easily shared between computers in a network.



LAN

• A local area network (LAN) connects two or more computers using a communication means such as twisted pair or coaxial cable.
• It is less expensive since it is made up of low-cost components such as hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables.
• In a Local Area Network, data is exchanged at an exceedingly fast rate.
• A higher level of security is provided by a Local Area Network.
• LANs are made up of low-cost networking and routing hardware. Local servers that serve file storage and other locally shared applications may be present. It generally uses private IP addresses and doesn't use a lot of routing. The LAN operates under its own local domain and is managed from a central location.
• Ethernet or Token-ring technology is used in LANs. The most extensively used LAN technology is Ethernet, which has a Star topology, whereas Token-ring is rarely seen.
• A LAN can be wired, wireless, or both at the same time.

Metropolitan Area Network

• A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that connects multiple LANs to form a larger network that covers a greater geographic area.
• The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a type of cable television network that extends throughout a city. Ethernet, Token-ring, ATM, or Fiber Distributed Data Interface are some of the options (FDDI).



MAN

• Metro Ethernet is a service provided by Internet service providers (ISPs). Users can use this service to expand their Local Area Networks. For example, MAN can assist a company with connecting all of its offices around a city.

Metropolitan Area Network Applications: 

• The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is used to communicate amongst banks in a city.
• It can be used in a city-based college.
• It can also be used for military communication.
• It can be used to make a reservation for a flight.

Wide Area Network

• A wide area network (WAN) is a network that spans a vast geographic area, such as many states or countries.
• The Wide Area Network (WAN), as the name implies, covers a large area that may span provinces or perhaps the entire country. Telecommunication networks are often Wide Area Networks. 
• These networks connect MANs and LANs together. WANs need very expensive network equipment since they have a very high-speed backbone.

WAN

• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, and Synchronous Optical Network are examples of sophisticated WAN technology (SONET). Multiple administrators may be in charge of the WAN.

Personal Area Network

• A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network that is set up within a single person and normally has a range of 10 metres.
• The term "Personal Area Network" refers to a network that is used to connect personal computing devices.
• A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest network that a user can access. Bluetooth-enabled or infrared-enabled gadgets may fall within this category. PAN has a 10 metre range of connectivity. Wireless computer keyboards and mice, Bluetooth-enabled headphones, wireless printers, and TV remotes are all examples of PAN.

PAN

• Piconet, for example, is a Bluetooth-enabled Personal Area Network that can connect up to eight devices in a master-slave configuration.