Classification of Computer Networks

Classification of Computer Networks

Computer networks are classified mainly by the geographic area they cover.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects computers within a limited area, such as a home, school lab, university campus, or office. Devices on the LAN can communicate with one another.

• Wired LAN: Commonly uses Ethernet. Computers may connect through a hub or switch. A straight-through Ethernet cable connects different types of devices, such as a computer and a switch, while a crossover cable can connect two computers directly.
• Wireless LAN: Uses wireless technology such as Wi-Fi.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN connects two or more LANs across a relatively small geographic region, such as a city. For example, different branches of a business may connect their LANs to share information.

Hubs or switches can serve devices within each LAN, while routers or bridges can connect separate LANs.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN is a telecommunications network that spans a large geographic area. It can connect LANs in distant parts of a country, such as networks in New Delhi and Chennai. Routers and other intermediary devices help forward data over long distances.

The Internet

The Internet is an especially large WAN: a worldwide interconnection of many LANs, MANs, and WANs. Routers help carry data between distant networks, including across countries.

New Trends in Computer Networking

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Employees use their personal devices on an office network to perform work.
• Online collaboration: People can attend meetings and collaborate over a network from different locations instead of gathering in one place.
• Cloud computing: Provides on-demand access to computing resources, especially data storage. For example, users can store files online with Google Drive and access them from different locations without carrying the computer where the files might otherwise be stored. Users do not need to manage the underlying resources directly.

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: One instructor or narrator presents the lesson for Neso Academy.
• Other speakers: None identifiable in the subtitles.