Computer Network
Subject: Computer Science / General Education / Nursing Informatics
Best for: Students learning computer connectivity and data sharing basics
Definition of Computer Network
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers which are connected
together to share information and resources.
Or,
A computer network is defined as a system that connects two or more computing
devices for transmitting and sharing information.
Applications of Communication & Computer Network
Computer systems and peripherals are connected to form a network. They provide
numerous advantages:
• Resource sharing such as printers and storage devices
• Exchange of information by means of e-Mails and FTP
• Information sharing by using Web or Internet
• Interaction with other users using dynamic web pages
• IP phones
• Video conferences
• Parallel computing
• Instant messaging
Types of Computer Network
Based on Geographical Area
1. LAN(Local Area Network)
2. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
3. WAN(Wide Area Network)
, LAN (Local Area Network)
Definition of LAN
Local Area Network is a group of computers and peripheral devices which are
connected to each other in a small area such as school, laboratory, home, and office
building. LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a
communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
Characteristics of LAN
• It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
• LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
• There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and
Ethernet.
,Advantage & Disadvantage of LAN
➤ Advantage:
• It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware.
• The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area Network.
• It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more
secure.
• Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server
computer.
➤ Disadvantage:
• It does not offer good privacy.
• The initial cost of installing local area networks is quite high.
• Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Definition of MAN
A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by
interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
,Characteristics of MAN:
• It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range
• Mostly used medium is optical fibers cables
• Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.
Advantage & Disadvantage of MAN
➤ Advantage:
• It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic
cables.
• It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater
access to WANs.
• The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both
directions concurrently.
• A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.
➤ Disadvantage:
• You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to
another.
• In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers.
Uses of MAN:
i. MAN is used in communication between the banks in a city.
ii. It can be used in an Airline Reservation.
iii. It can be used in a college within a city.
iv. It can also be used for communication in the military.
, WAN (Wide Area Network)
Definition of WAN
A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area
such as states or countries.
Or,
A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large
geographical area through a telephone line, fiber optic cable or satellite links.
Example:
• Mobile Broadband
• Private network
Subject: Computer Science / General Education / Nursing Informatics
Best for: Students learning computer connectivity and data sharing basics
Definition of Computer Network
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers which are connected
together to share information and resources.
Or,
A computer network is defined as a system that connects two or more computing
devices for transmitting and sharing information.
Applications of Communication & Computer Network
Computer systems and peripherals are connected to form a network. They provide
numerous advantages:
• Resource sharing such as printers and storage devices
• Exchange of information by means of e-Mails and FTP
• Information sharing by using Web or Internet
• Interaction with other users using dynamic web pages
• IP phones
• Video conferences
• Parallel computing
• Instant messaging
Types of Computer Network
Based on Geographical Area
1. LAN(Local Area Network)
2. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
3. WAN(Wide Area Network)
, LAN (Local Area Network)
Definition of LAN
Local Area Network is a group of computers and peripheral devices which are
connected to each other in a small area such as school, laboratory, home, and office
building. LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a
communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
Characteristics of LAN
• It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
• LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
• There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and
Ethernet.
,Advantage & Disadvantage of LAN
➤ Advantage:
• It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware.
• The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area Network.
• It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more
secure.
• Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server
computer.
➤ Disadvantage:
• It does not offer good privacy.
• The initial cost of installing local area networks is quite high.
• Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Definition of MAN
A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by
interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
,Characteristics of MAN:
• It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range
• Mostly used medium is optical fibers cables
• Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.
Advantage & Disadvantage of MAN
➤ Advantage:
• It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic
cables.
• It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater
access to WANs.
• The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both
directions concurrently.
• A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.
➤ Disadvantage:
• You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to
another.
• In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers.
Uses of MAN:
i. MAN is used in communication between the banks in a city.
ii. It can be used in an Airline Reservation.
iii. It can be used in a college within a city.
iv. It can also be used for communication in the military.
, WAN (Wide Area Network)
Definition of WAN
A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area
such as states or countries.
Or,
A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large
geographical area through a telephone line, fiber optic cable or satellite links.
Example:
• Mobile Broadband
• Private network
