Network - Introduction of Networks

What is a network?

A network is consists of more than one end devices which are connected with each other to share their resources and data (Printers, Files, Folders and many more). There are many ways to connect devices with each other such as cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellite and infrared waves.

Type of Networks

There are many type of networks

1. LAN (Local Area Network)

2. WAN (Wide Area Network)

3. MAN (Metropolitan area network)

4. PAN (Personal Area Network)

5. SAN (Storage Area Network)

6. EPN (Enterprise private network)

7. VPN (Virtual private network)

Local Area Network

A local area network (LAN) is a network which is developed at single site using Ethernet technology. LAN is very useful network to share resources and data within the network using Physical Layer or Layer 1 network devices (Hub, Switch, Network adapters and Ethernet cables).
A simple LAN is consists of two end devices which are directly connect via cable. When the number of end devices increase then Physical layer device is compulsory to connect those multiple end devices with each other.

LAN is generally recommended for small networks because in this all devices act as client and server due to which the speed of network reduces as the number of devices increases.

Advantages:

• Easy to setup
• Less complex
• Lower cost since network devices and dedicated servers may not be required
• Can be used for simple tasks such as transferring files and sharing printers

Disadvantages:

• No centralized administration
• Not secure
• Not scalable
• All devices may act as both client and servers which can slow their performance.

Wide Area Network

Wide area network (WAN) is consists of more than one LAN’s and MAN’s. It usually covers a large area such as country or world. The best example of WAN is GSM (Global System for Mobile) system and Internet.

Metropolitan Area Network

Metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network which covers more area than LAN and less than WAN such as city, college campuses and region. This network is usually designed to connect more than two LAN’s with each other of the same organizations thus it is also known as Campus area network (CAN).

Personal Area Network

Personal area network (PAN) is a network which covers the area around any individual. It is a limited range network used to connect end devices for short time to share their resources with each other. The best example of PAN is Bluetooth.

Storage Area Network

Storage area network (SAN) is a network used to share memory resources with the end devices to store their data and information on that storage and can be accessed from any end device connect on that network. Basically it provides the centralized storage to the network.

Enterprise Private Network

Enterprise private network (EPN) is a network which provides a secure link to an enterprise companies who have more than one office at different locations. Through this network these offices can share their confidential data and information with each other in secure way.

Virtual Private Network

Virtual private network (VPN) is a network technology through which encrypted connection can be established on a non secure or less secure network. Secure VPN is basically used on that networks on which data/ information security can’t ensured. The major example of using VPN is on Public and Hotspot networks on which data transmission is not secure because these networks are used openly and any one can access these networks.