Behind the Internet : Understanding Computer Networks 🌍💡

Definition of a Network

Network : A network is a set of devices that are connected with a physical media link. In a network, two or more nodes are connected by a physical link or two or more networks are connected by one or more nodes. A network is a collection of devices connected to each other to allow the sharing of data.

Types of Networks

Personal Area Network (PAN) 📱

• A small network for personal use.

• Includes Bluetooth connections, smartwatches, and phone hotspots.

• Advantage : Transmission speed is very high, easy maintenance and low cost .

Local Area Network (LAN) 🏠

• A small network covering a limited area (e.g., home, office, school).

• Uses Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi for connectivity.

• Example: A Wi-Fi network in your house.

• Advantage : Transmission speed is very high, easy maintenance and low cost .

Campus Area Network (CAN )🏫

• Larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN.

• Covers a limited geographical area (e.g., school, collages ).

• Advantage : Transmission speed is very high, moderated maintenance cost.

• Range : 1 km to 5 km.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) 🏙️

• Larger than a CAN but smaller than a WAN.

• Covers a city or a large campus.

• Example: City-wide Wi-Fi network.t

• Disadvantage : speed is average, difficult to maintain, high cost.

• Range : 5 km to 50 km .

Wide Area Network (WAN) 🌍

• Covers a large geographical area.

• The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.

• Uses cables, satellites, and fiber optics.

• Range : above 50 km.

Topology

Network Topology : Network topology specifies the layout of a computer network. It shows how devices and cables are connected to each other.

Types of Network Topology :

Point-to-point Topology :

• Points-to-points topology is type of topology that works on the functionality of the sender and receiver.

• It is the simplest communication between two nodes in which one is the sender and the other is receiver.

• Provide high bandwidth.

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• Bus Topology :

• Every computer and network type in device is connected to a single cable.

• It is bi-directional.

• If the backbone fails, the entire network goes down.

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  Star Topology :

• All the nodes are connected to a single device known as a central device.

• If the central device is damaged, then the whole network fails.

• Star topology is very easy to install, manage and troubleshoot. It is commonly used in office and home networks.

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  Ring Topology :

• In ring topology if forms a ring connecting devices with exactly two neighboring devices. A number of repeaters are used for ring topology with a large number of nodes.

• Star topology is very easy to install, manage and troubleshoot. It is commonly used in office and home networks.

• If the single node is damaged, then the whole network fails.

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  Mesh Topology :

• Every device is connected to another device via a particular channel.

• Mesh topology is rarely used as installation and configuration are difficult when connectivity gets more.

• Mesh topology is rarely used as installation and configuration are difficult when connectivity gets more.

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  Tree Topology :

• Tree topology is a combination of star and bus topology. It is also known as the expanded star topology.

• Tree topology depends on the "main bus," and if it breaks, then the whole network gets damaged.

• Error detection and correction are very easy in a tree topology.

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  Hybrid Topology :

• A combination of two or more topologies.

• It provides flexibility as it can be implemented in a different network environment.

• Complex to design and manage.

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