Computer Networks are classified to different types based upon the geographical area that they span into:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN):
A logical Area Network (LAN) is that where two or more
computers directly linked within a small well-defined area such a room,
office building, or a campus. A LAN can be made up of only
microcomputers or any combination of microcomputer and large system.
Main benefit of a LAN is the reduction of hardware and software cost
because user an share several computers, peripheral devices such as HDD,
modem, and LAN platform software. Another benefit is that the user can
share the same data.
One mos LANs, cable connect the LAN by linking the network cards that reside within each computer or printer on the network. We talk about situations where cable is not the means of connections "wireless networks. LAN is a system in which linked computers and peripheral services, CD-ROMs, and /or the use of group scheduling programs and e-mail.
Famous LANs available for microcomputers use include, Ethernet, Novell, PCs network etc. they vary in type and number of computers that may be connected the speed at which data may be transferred, and the type of software used to control the network.
A LAN generally consists of the following:
1. Two or more computers.
2. A diameter of not more than few kilometers
3. Software to control the operation of the computers.
4. Peripheral devices such as modem, HDD etc.
5. C0-axial or fiber optic cables are usually used to connect the computers and other devices.
6. A plug in board to handle the data transmissions.
The length of cable connecting to computer through a LAN also varies. Most permit cables of about one thousands feet, but the same permit cables of several miles to be used. The speed of data transfer range from several thousand bit per second to 10 million BPS.
A private network within a range of 10 kilometers owned and controlled by a single organization. Local Area Network has the following main characteristics.
a.A total data rate of at least several mbps.
b.Complete ownership by a single organization.
c.The connections between the workstations are usually distances of a few hundred feet, up to several thousand feet.
d. The LAN transmits data between user stations and computers (some LANs transport voice and video images as well).
e.The LAN transmission capacity is usually greater than that of a Wide Area Network; typical bit rates range from 1Mb/s to 20Mb/s.
f.The LAN channels is typically privately owned by the organization using the facility.
With a LAN, you can do all of the following:
i. Perform file-management tasks.
* Share files
* Transfer files
* Share application
ii. Share peripheral devices
* Printers
* CD-ROMs
* Scanners
* Fax Modems
* Tape drivers
ii.Interact with other user on the network
* Schedule group meetings
* Send and receive e-mails
* Hold electronic meetings
* Play network games.
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN):
One mos LANs, cable connect the LAN by linking the network cards that reside within each computer or printer on the network. We talk about situations where cable is not the means of connections "wireless networks. LAN is a system in which linked computers and peripheral services, CD-ROMs, and /or the use of group scheduling programs and e-mail.
Famous LANs available for microcomputers use include, Ethernet, Novell, PCs network etc. they vary in type and number of computers that may be connected the speed at which data may be transferred, and the type of software used to control the network.
A LAN generally consists of the following:
1. Two or more computers.
2. A diameter of not more than few kilometers
3. Software to control the operation of the computers.
4. Peripheral devices such as modem, HDD etc.
5. C0-axial or fiber optic cables are usually used to connect the computers and other devices.
6. A plug in board to handle the data transmissions.
The length of cable connecting to computer through a LAN also varies. Most permit cables of about one thousands feet, but the same permit cables of several miles to be used. The speed of data transfer range from several thousand bit per second to 10 million BPS.
A private network within a range of 10 kilometers owned and controlled by a single organization. Local Area Network has the following main characteristics.
a.A total data rate of at least several mbps.
b.Complete ownership by a single organization.
c.The connections between the workstations are usually distances of a few hundred feet, up to several thousand feet.
d. The LAN transmits data between user stations and computers (some LANs transport voice and video images as well).
e.The LAN transmission capacity is usually greater than that of a Wide Area Network; typical bit rates range from 1Mb/s to 20Mb/s.
f.The LAN channels is typically privately owned by the organization using the facility.
With a LAN, you can do all of the following:
i. Perform file-management tasks.
* Share files
* Transfer files
* Share application
ii. Share peripheral devices
* Printers
* CD-ROMs
* Scanners
* Fax Modems
* Tape drivers
ii.Interact with other user on the network
* Schedule group meetings
* Send and receive e-mails
* Hold electronic meetings
* Play network games.
