what is networking?

networking refers to the the practise of connecting two or more computers or devices so they can share information, resources and services.

OR

networking is the process of connecting computing devices to exchange data.

✅ Types of Networks

Computer networks are classified based on their coverage area, purpose, and technology used. Here are the major types:

🔹 1. PAN – Personal Area Network

• Range: 1 to 10 meters

• Use: For connecting personal devices.

• Examples:

  • Bluetooth connection between phone and wireless earphones

  • USB-connected mouse or printer

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🔹 2. LAN – Local Area Network

• Range: Limited to a room, building, or small campus

• Use: To connect computers within a local area

• Examples:

  • School computer lab network

  • Office Wi-Fi or Ethernet

• Devices Used: Switch, router, cables

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🔹 3. WLAN – Wireless LAN

• Same as LAN, but uses Wi-Fi (wireless signals) instead of cables

• Example: Home Wi-Fi network connecting phone, laptop, and TV

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🔹 4. MAN – Metropolitan Area Network

• Range: Covers a city or town

• Use: To connect multiple LANs in a city

• Example: City-wide cable internet or university campus network

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🔹 5. WAN – Wide Area Network

• Range: Covers large geographical areas (countries or continents)

• Use: To connect multiple LANs and MANs

• Example: Internet is the best example of WAN

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🔹 6. CAN – Campus Area Network

• A special type of LAN or MAN used to connect buildings in a campus (like universities or business parks)

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🔹 7. SAN – Storage Area Network

• Used for high-speed data storage and access (e.g., in data centers)

• Not for regular internet but for data handling between servers and storage devices

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🔹 8. VPN – Virtual Private Network (Logical Network)

• Not a physical network, but a secure private tunnel over public internet

• Use: To protect data when accessing the internet, especially remotely

• Example: Employees using VPN to access company servers from home