Network Categorization in Computer Network

Network Categorization

Networks can be categorized in a number of ways, such as according to their dimension, purpose, and geographic reach:


1. Dimensions

A few devices in a single room to millions of devices worldwide can be part of a network. 


2. Purpose

A network can be classified according to its use, for example, a storage area network (SAN) can be used for block-level data storage.

 

3. Coverage of geography

Networks can be classified according to the region they serve. For example, a local area network (LAN) links devices in a specific area, such as an office building.


Learn more about the various kinds of networks, such as LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, SAN, and the distinct functions of PAN, EPN, and VPN networks, to enhance your comprehension of network classification.

Network Categorization in Computer Network

Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are primarily classified into five categories.

  • Local Area Network 
  • Metropolitan Area Network 
  • Wide Area Network 
  • Personal Area Network 
  • Campus Area Network 


1. Local Area Network

A Local area network is a type of computer network that can extend many kilometers and cover a limited area, such as a building or university. To share shared resources, such as printers, and exchange data, LANs are frequently used to connect workstations and personal computers in corporate offices.


The size of the LAN is constrained. The internet can reach rates of up to 100 Mbps over LAN networks, while these days far faster speeds are possible. LAN networks are most frequently configured using the bus, ring, and star topologies. 


LANs are useful because they eliminate the requirement for internet connectivity and enable speedy and effective device communication. It resembles having a linked device neighborhood all to yourself.

2. Metropolitan Area Network

A computer network that covers a metropolitan area, usually a city, is called a Metropolitan Area Network. It offers fast data transfer between various LANs and WANs including audio, video, and data transport. 


A Metropolitan primary function is to link the various local area networks in a city together so that users may access the internet and share resources and data. Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, a MAN usually spans many kilometers in space.


Metropolitan Area Network is specifically made to give customers access to high-speed connectivity with Mbps-based speed ranges. Because of its complicated architecture, metropolitan is challenging to develop and maintain.

3. Wide Area Network

A wide area network, made up of two or more LANs or MANs, is a type of computer network that spans a significant geographic area. These networks are set up using leased telecom lines; two connected sides have routers that join their local area networks to enable communication between the two sides. 


Through a WAN provider, WANs can facilitate much more than just information sharing and communication between systems or devices located all over the world.


4. Personal Area Network

The computer network that links computers and other devices within a person's immediate vicinity is called a personal area network, or PAN. PAN is short for personal area network since it can be used within an individual's range, usually up to 10 meters (33 feet). 


A computer, phone, tablet, printer Personal Digital Assistant and other entertainment items like speakers and video game consoles are frequently included in a personal area network.

5. Campus Area Network

A campus area network is a collection of linked local area networks (LANs) in a constrained geographic area, such as a corporate building, school, university, or military installation. While a campus area network is smaller than a wide area network and a metropolitan area network, it is larger than a local area network. 


The Corporate Area Network is another name for this campus area network. Because it is exclusively utilized by residents of a particular college, this network is also sometimes referred to as the Residential Network. Campus Area Networks are a collection of Local Area Networks  that are connected to one another via switches and routers to form a unified network similar to CAN. The Campus Area Network covers a distance of around 1 to 5 km.

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