Set Network Configuration
What Do Networks Do?
Computer networks are used to carry out a large number of tasks through
the sharing of information.
Some of the things that networks are used for include:
1. Communicating using email, video, instant messaging and other methods
2. Sharing devices such as printers, scanners and photocopiers
3. Sharing files
4. Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems
5. Allowing network users to easily access and maintain information
Types of Network
There are many different types of network, which can be used for different
purposes and by different types of people and organization. Here are some
of the network types that you might come across:
1. Local Area Networks (LAN)
A local area network or LAN is a network that connects computers within a
limited area. This might be in a school, an office or even a home.
2. Personal Area Networks (PAN)
A personal area network is a network that is based on an individual's
workspace. The individual's device is the center of the network, with other
devices connected to it. There are also wireless personal area networks.
3. Home Area Networks (HAN)
A home area network connects devices within a home environment. It might
include personal computers, tablets, smartphones, printers, TVs and other
devices.
4. Wide Area Networks (WAN)
A wide area network is a network that covers a larger geographical area,
usually with a radius of more than a kilometer.
5. Campus Networks
A campus network is a LAN or set of connected LANs which is used by a
government agency, university, corporation or similar organization and is
typically a network across a set of buildings that are close together.
6. Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
Metropolitan area networks are networks that stretch across a region the
size of a metropolitan area. A MAN is a series of connected LANs in a city,
which might also connect to a WAN.
7. Enterprise Private Networks
An enterprise private network is used by a company to connect its various
sites so that the different locations can share resources.
8. Internetworks
Internetworks connect different networks together to build a larger network.
Internetworking is often used to describe building a large, global network.
9. Backbone Networks (BBN)
A backbone is a part of a network that connects different pieces and
provides a path for information to be exchanged.
10. Global Area Networks (GAN)
A global area network is a worldwide network that connects networks all
over the globe, such as the internet.