FINLANDIA SCHOOLA network is a collection of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate with each other and share resources like files, printers and internet access. These connections can be made using cables or wireless technology.
Types of network
Networks are categorized based on their geographical coverage. The 3 main types are:
1. Local Area Networks: connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area such as a home, school, office building or a small group of buildings. LANs are typically managed by a single organization
Characteristics of LAN
1. Covers a small geographical area
2. High data transfer rate
3. Owned and managed by a private organization or individual
4. Less expensive to set up
Examples of LAN
Computers connected in a School computer lab
Devices connected in a home network
Computers in a small office
2. Metropolitan Area Network:connects computers and devices across a city or a large campus. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN often connecting multiple LANs together within a specific metropolitan region
Characteristics of MAN
1. It covers a city or a large geographical area eg university campus or multiple offices in a city
2. Data transfer rates are moderate to high
3. Often owned by a consortium or a single large organization
4. More complex and expensive than LANs
Examples of MAN
1. A network connecting different branches of a bank within a city
2. Cable TV Networks across a city
3. A university network connecting various departments across campus
3. Wide Area Network: connects computers and devices over a large geographical area spanning across cities, countries or even continents. An example is the internet
Characteristics of WAN
1. Covers a very large geographical area
2. Data transfer rates are generally lower than LANs
3. Often uses public telecommunications networks
4. Expensive and complex to setup and maintain
Examples of WAN
1. The internet
2. A company’s network connecting its offices in different countries
3. Airline reservation systems