Types Of Computer Networking
What are the types of computer networking? Computer networking forms the baseline from which all manner of information can be shared. All business ideas, conferences, learning forums etc. has been eased through various types of computer networking. It’s one of the key areas that information and technology specialists must invest so much of their knowledge as it comes with very many challenges such as hacking or at times malfunctioning of the whole system. These types of computer networking systems include;
Local Area Network (LAN)
This is one of the most common types of computer networking system. They are majorly used in offices, learning institutions or in various homes. LAN covers a very small geographical area and is characterized by higher data transfer depending on the type of Ethernet cable used to set up these types of computer networks. With the advancement in technology Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can also be set up. This is Wi–Fi based types of computer networking.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
This type of computer networking covers a relatively wider region than the LAN. It is a collection of various Local Area Networks. A good example of these types of computer network is the Internet. Internet is a worldwide interconnection of various computer networks. In most instances, this interconnection can be achieved through satellites or modems. Since it was introduced, it has proved to be the most efficient way of communications through emails or social sites.
Internet Protocol (IP) is the address which the various service providers use when accessing the internet. These types of computer networking are very expensive to run as an individual hence are only run by cooperates.
Still on the same note, it is very essential to differential the Intranet form the Internet. Although they also use the same principle as the internet, the difference comes in the area of coverage and the ability to access this type of computer networking.
An intranet is normally confined within specific users either in an enterprise or an organisation. Non- members cannot access this type of computer networking. In some situations the intranet can be large enough to have its own web server.
Metropolitan Area Network
These types of computer networking are larger than LAN but smaller than the WAN. Creating a MAN network involves connection of multiple switches, hubs and routers. They are normally confined within a specific town / city.
Campus Area Network
These types of computer networking are common in the universities. They are larger than LAN but smaller than the MAN computer networking.
System Area Network
These types of computer network are also referred to as the Cluster Area Network. It is through this network that high-performance computers are linked together with superior connections.
Storage Area Network
This type of computer networking helps when connecting servers to devices. It employs fibre channel technology when data is to be stored.
The relationship between the elements of the network elements of any computer network is also an important parameter when it comes to classification of various networking systems. Examples are active networking, peer-to –peer and server to client.
