Thanks to visit codestin.com
Credit goes to www.scribd.com

Scribd
Upload
22 views5 pages

Computer Network

A computer network is a system of interconnected devices that share resources and enable communication, primarily aimed at improving efficiency and collaboration. Key types of networks include Local Area Networks (LAN), which connect devices within a limited area, Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), which span a city or region, and Wide Area Networks (WAN), which cover large geographical areas. Each type of network has distinct characteristics and objectives, such as resource sharing, data exchange, and centralized management.

Uploaded by

indoruben3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views5 pages

Computer Network

A computer network is a system of interconnected devices that share resources and enable communication, primarily aimed at improving efficiency and collaboration. Key types of networks include Local Area Networks (LAN), which connect devices within a limited area, Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), which span a city or region, and Wide Area Networks (WAN), which cover large geographical areas. Each type of network has distinct characteristics and objectives, such as resource sharing, data exchange, and centralized management.

Uploaded by

indoruben3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system where multiple devices (computers, servers, printers, routers,
switches, smartphones, etc.) are interconnected to share resources, exchange data, and enable
communication. These devices are connected via various transmission media such as cables,
optical fibers, or wireless signals. The primary objective of computer networks is to improve
efficiency, reduce costs, and enable collaboration.

For instance, in an office environment, a computer network allows employees to share printers,
access shared files, and communicate via email or instant messaging. Similarly, the Internet, the
largest computer network in existence, connects billions of devices worldwide, enabling global
communication and access to information.

Key Objectives of Computer Networks


1. Resource Sharing:
Enables multiple devices to share hardware (e.g., printers) and software (e.g.,
applications) resources.
2. Data Exchange:
Facilitates the transfer of data between devices for collaboration and
communication.
3. Centralized Management:
Allows centralized control over data storage, software updates, and security,
reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.
4. Scalability:
Provides flexibility to add or remove devices as needed without disrupting the
network.
5. Communication:
Supports various modes of communication, including email, video conferencing,
instant messaging, and file sharing.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices
which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office
building. It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers, games,
and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a
printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one type of
transmission medium. It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected
devices across several buildings.

Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

 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.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network
across an entire city, college campus, or a small region. This type of
network is large than a LAN, which is mostly limited to a single building or
site. Depending upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows
you to cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.

Characteristics of MAN
Here are important characteristics of the MAN network:

 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.
Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer


network that which is spread across a large geographical area.
WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which
connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves.
It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.

You might also like