Network
A network is a collection of network-enabled devices, typically made up of computers, switches, routers, printers, and servers. Networks are a fundamental part of day-to-day life and exist in homes, workplaces, and public areas. Networks allow all types of network-enabled devices to communicate.
Network types
Networks vary in size, shape, and usage. To make it easier to identify different network types, they’re categorized into one of the following network categories:
- Personal Area Networks(PAN)
- Local Area Networks(LAN)
- Metropolitan Area Networks(MAN)
- Wide Area Networks(WAN)
Personal Area Networks
A personal area network (PAN) provides networking needs around an individual. An example of a PAN is where a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, and laptop all connect and share data without the need to connect to an access point or other third-party network services. PAN networks typically use Bluetooth to communicate because it provides a low-power, short-range data-sharing capability. The network standards associated with a PAN are Bluetooth and IEEE 802.15.
Advantages of PAN:
- PAN networks are reasonably safe and secure.
- Reduced hardware costs.
Disadvantages of PAN:
- It can only pair with one device at a time.
- There are distance restrictions as it provides short-range solutions up to 10 meters.
Local Area Networks
A local area network (LAN) provides networking needs around a single location. This location might be an organization’s office, a school, a university, a hospital, an airport, and many others. A LAN is usually privately owned and needs authentication and authorization to access. Of the different classifications of a network, a LAN is by far the most commonly used.
Advantages of LAN:
- A LAN operates at speeds of 10 Gbps or higher.
- Local area networks can be used to share computer resources such as hard drives, DVD-ROMs, and printers. This greatly decreases the cost of purchasing hardware.
Disadvantages of LAN:
- Although LAN will save cost over time the initial setup cost of installing LAN is high.
- As the LAN administrator has access to every LAN user’s personal files, it does not provide enough privacy.
Metropolitan Area Networks
A metropolitan area network (MAN) provides networking capabilities between two different locations within a city or metropolitan area to provide a single extensive network. Typically, a MAN requires a dedicated and secure connection between each LAN joined to the MAN.
Advantages of MAN:
- MAN often uses fiber optics cables for its data transmission. Fiber optics cables are capable of offering speeds up to 1000Mbps. Hence, data and information can be transferred at a faster rate.
Disadvantages of WAN:
- MAN generally is difficult to manage especially when it becomes large. This is mainly due to safety issues and other additional configurations.
Wide Area Networks
A wide area network (WAN) provides networking capabilities between two different geographical locations locally or worldwide. For example, a WAN is used to connect an organization’s head office with branch offices all over the country. A WAN links multiple LANs together to create one super network. As a WAN, you use a virtual private network (VPN) to manage the connection between different LANs.
Advantages of WAN:
- WAN covers a large geographical area so long-distance businesses can connect on one network.
- It shares software and resources with connecting workstations.
Disadvantages of WAN:
- A WAN typically operates at speeds of less than 1 Gbps.
- Security is a real issue when many different people have the ability to use information from other computers.
For the OSI model concept refer to the below link
https://gowdas1307.medium.com/osi-open-source-interconnection-model-abb88348d4d9
