Network Technology - Types of Computer Network
Network Technology Introduction
- Network technology defines the concepts on which any network is structured. This concept can be applied on any network on the basis of:
- Transmission.
- Scale.
- Further, network technology on the basis of transmission can be done using point to point and multipoint concept.
- Data exchange and transmission can be done using network technology.
Network Technology : On the Basis of Transmission
1. Point-to-Point
- When nodes(Sender & Receiver) are directly connected, Data transmission is done through a guided medium for wired network and through unguided medium for wireless medium.
2. Multi-Point
- A number of nodes are directly connected through a common medium in a linear fashion. It is like a one device to many device data transmission mode.
- Concept of multi-point transmission works on either Time sharing connection or Spatially shared connection. In Time sharing connection, each node is offered a separate slot of time to communicate. But in Spatially shared connection, all the nodes can communicate simultaneously at a time.
Network Technology : On the Basis of Scale
1. Local Area Network(LAN)
- Local area network, also known as IEEE 802 is a network that comprises of devices such as laptops, computer & mobiles connected together within a small range. The range is from 100m to 10KM.
Below mentioned table shows the properties of a local area network based upon its users, speed, range and error rate.
Elements of LAN
- Peripheral Devices such as Scanners,Printers etc.
- HUBs: A HUB is called the center of a network which is responsible for absorbing the signals and is intelligent enough to transmit the data packets from source to destination node.
- Cables : Twisted Pair, Co-Axial cables and Optical Fibers. Optical Fiber is used as backbone cable because of its high bandwidth ability.
- Computers or Nodes or PC or Host or Server or Workstation.
- NIC : Network Interface Card.
2. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
- A network in which multiple Local Area Networks are combined together through a networking device called Bridge forms a Metropolitan Area Network.
3. Wide Area Network(WAN)
- A network in which multiple Metropolitan Area Networks are combined together through a networking device called Router forms a Wide Area Network.
Types of WANs
- Public Wan : It is handled by government departments.
- Private Wan : It was developed by US Military Department, Defence wing called as ARPANET.
Elements of WAN
- Bridge : It is a device which is used for connecting similar or dissimilar LANs.
- Router : It is a device which is used for connecting similar or dissimilar networks.
- Gateway : It is a device used for connecting networks with different types of architectures. For Example : Communication between a mobile device having 4G connection and landline device having 2G connection can be done using gateway.
4. Personal Area Network(PAN)
- A network which is used for personal purpose and is created through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to share data is called as Personal Area Network.
- For Example : Bluetooth Network, Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Virtual Private Network(VPN)
- A virtual private network is a private network which is established virtually over the public network in order to communicate and transmit data from one node to another. A user having a virtual private network access can transmit data anonymously without limitations.