Type of Computer Networks

 What is Computer Networks ?

A Computer Network is a set of electronically connected computers which can share information and resources themselves. Computer Networks is also called the group of computers which is connected with one another with the help of Network. There are so many type of Computer Networks are there for connecting through the different computers. Type of computer Networks depends upon the computer system. For example if there are large number of computer systems then we need large computer networks for connecting with themselves. Which type of computer networks is needed is chosen on the basis of the computer system. There are different type of Computer Networks which is chosen as per their requirements.

Type of Computer Networks

1. Personal Area Network [PAN] :- The most basic type of computer Networks is personal area network which is made up of a wireless modem, a computer and two systems. Basically this type of computer networks is used for small scale where there is only few systems are connected with them. This type of computer network is basically find in small offices or small shops.

2. Local Area Network [LAN] :- Local area network is very popular and frequently used computer network. A local area network helps to connect the two or more than two computers over a server. This type of Computer Networks is basically used as in form of wi-fi and ethernet. The main example for this type of computer networks where it is used is school, medium size offices , library etc.

3. Wireless Area Network or Wireless Local Area Network [WLAN] :- This type of computer networks has same work as local area network but WLAN makes use of wireless Area network, Such as Wi-Fi. Basically this type of computer networks is not depend upon the physical devices like cable, USB Port that is used in the computer network.

4. Campus Area Network [CAN] :- As it clears from the name that it is used for the Campus network. This type of networks is basically used in universities and colleges where large number of computers are connected through the server. This type of computer networks is larger than Local area network.

5. Metropolitan Area Network [MAN] :- MANs network are larger than any other type of computer networks. This type of computer networks is basically used in cities, large universities and companies where the ownership is handled by either single person or any company. We can also say that when the metropolitan area network is used on small scale it is called LAN and when it is used in campus it is called CAN.

6. Wide Area Network [WAN] :- This type of computer networks are very wide and it is also used as metropolitan area network. This type of networks is also used for big cities, large companies , big buildings and for large area within multiple buildings. It is moderately complex than LAN, MAN networks. The main example of this type of computer networks is internet.

7. System Area Network [SAN] :- A System area network is type of computer networks which is used for handling large number of systems that is bit difficult to operate. System area network is special type of computer networks which is used only to handle large number of complex systems. This network is useful for processing applications that require high network performance.

8. Passive Optical Local Area Network [POLAN] :- A POLAN is type of computer networks which is an alternative to Local area networks. We can use this network for multiple signals to distribute to users and devices.

9. Enterprise Area Network or Enterprise Private Network [EPN] :- As it understood from name that this type of computer networks is used only for enterprise network so they securely connect through their server and information is not shared to anyone.

10. Virtual Private Network [VPN] :- A virtual private network that is also a type of private network that is used for using some private software or applications that is not legally used. The main advantage of using this type of computer networks is that it protects from the malicious sources by operating as  a medium that gives you protected network connection.