What is a computer network?Understand different types of computers network

Introduction

In today's linked world, computer networks play an important role. Computer networks enable communication between devices, such as accessing the internet, exchanging emails, or streaming your favorite shows. A computer network is a system that connects numerous computers or devices to share resources, data, and applications. However, not all networks are same; they differ in size, scope, and function. Here, we shall learn about each form of computer network in depth.

A computer monitor displaying the words Computer network and types of computer network on a white screen, set against a wooden plank background.

What is a computer network?

A computer network connects several devices, such as computers, servers, and other digital systems, to exchange resources, information, and data. These connections allow for smooth communication between devices, making collaboration and resource sharing more efficient. Networks have evolved into the backbone of contemporary technology, allowing us to easily connect to remote systems, share data, and access the internet.

Types of computer networks

1.Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN is a computer network that covers only a small geographical area (usually within a square mile or less), such as an office, home or building. In a local area network, computers connected have a network operating system installed onto them.
A file server essentially acts as the central repository for a network's software. It houses the applications intended for sharing across the various PCs connected to the network. Think of it as a shared library for software. Workstations, in this context, denote the additional computers linked to the file server, accessing and utilizing the shared software.
Engineers often design workstations to host a wider range of software locally, enabling them to outperform file servers in many situations, even when those servers have greater overall processing power. Most Local Area Networks (LANs) use physical cables to connect personal computers within the network. These LANs typically operate at bandwidth speeds ranging from 10 to 100 megabits per second (Mbps).
Local Area Networks (LANs) fall into three categories based on their data transfer speed: high, medium, and low. High-speed LANs transmit data at rates exceeding one gigabit per second (Gbps), often reaching several Gbps, and commonly link server systems. Medium-speed LANs operate around one Gbps and suit smaller servers and general computing devices. Ethernet, for example, delivers speeds of 1 Gbps and represents a well-known medium-speed LAN. Low-speed LANs handle data transfer rates of several hundred megabits per second (Mbps), making them ideal for connecting personal computers and workstations. Today, Wireless LANs (WLANs) play a crucial role as a prominent networking technology.

Illustration of a Local Area Network (LAN) with a central server connected to six desktop computers. Background gradient shifts from blue to pink.

Figure 1

2.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN, standing for Metropolitan Area Network, represents a computer network engineered to cover a "metropolitan" territory – in essence, a city and its surrounding areas. In accordance with its name, this type of network is typically deployed in metropolitan settings. Here, various local area networks (LANs) within the city are linked together using numerous high-bandwidth connections. This process forms a single, extensive network that serves the whole urban environment.
The range of a network is incredibly flexible. It might be a self-contained unit, like a cable TV setup, or it could be an interconnected web joining various local area networks (LANs) together.It's important to understand that a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) can be managed by a single administrative entity. An example of this could be a company with multiple offices spread throughout a city. On the other hand, a MAN could also be a shared resource, with several different organizations, each in the same city, leveraging its capabilities.

Diagram of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) showing four interconnected LANs. Each LAN includes computers, a router, and a printer. Central cloud labeled "MAN."

Figure 2

3.Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN, or Wide Area Network, is a system of interconnecting many computers over a large geographical area such as cities, states, countries or even the whole world. These kinds of networks use telephone lines, satellite links, and other long-range communications technologies to connect.
These networks, which include national telephone networks and private and public packet switching networks, are built to cover an area of hundreds or thousands of miles. For instance, a business with offices in Mumbai, Chennai, and New Delhi might use a wide area network (WAN) to link the local area networks (LANs) in each of those cities.
A wide area network (WAN) is typically a public network that is used to link small and medium-sized networks together, though private companies may own or rent them. The Internet is the biggest wide area network (WAN).

WAN offers many advantages to business organizations. Some of them are as follows:

It offers flexibility of location because not all the people using the same data have to work at the same site.
Email and file sharing can help branch offices communicate more effectively.
It facilitates a centralized company wide data backup system.
Companies located in a number of small, interrelated offices can store files centrally and access each other’s information.

Diagram illustrating a Wide Area Network (WAN) setup with two servers, two computers, and cloud in the center, symbolizing network connections.

Figure 3

4.Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network that connects personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables over a short distance. Examples include Bluetooth and infrared are popular technologies which allow devices to exchange data and communicate within a specific range such as a room or personal space.

Diagram illustrating a Personal Area Network (PAN) on a green brick background. It connects a computer, laptop, smartphone, printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headphones into a network.

Figure 4

5.Campus Area Network (CAN)

A Campus Area Network, known as CAN, links numerous LANs in a university campus, corporate campus or large organization.CANs enable communication and sharing of resources among various campus departments or buildings by utilizing high-speed fiber optic cables or wireless technologies.

Illustration of a Campus Area Network (CAN) with interconnected computers, servers, and devices on colorful platforms. Central figure at a desk, symbolizing network management.

Figure 5

6.Virtual Private Network

A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a protected network that enables individuals or branch locations to join a private network through the internet. VPNs utilize encryption and authentication protocols to guarantee secure communication and data privacy, which is perfect for remote work, telecommuting, and linking distributed networks.

Illustration of a VPN concept. A computer screen with a VPN shield and "Connect" button, surrounded by a lock, key, gears, and user icons.

Figure 6

Conclusion

To begin with, computer networks form the backbone of our interconnected world, as they enable communication, data sharing, and resource access across vast distances. Moreover, by understanding the different types of networks, we can gain deeper insight into their roles. As a result, we better appreciate how these systems support everything from local file sharing to global internet access. Ultimately, this knowledge underscores the significance of networks in modern life.