Types of Computer Networks

By: Susan Elyian and Rotana Qatarneh

Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are a series of two or more computers that are connected together to share information. There are three types of computer networks:

Local Area Network Wide Area Network Wireless Local Area Network

Local Area Network (LAN) A LAN computer connection supplies networking capability

that may involve computers that are in close immediacy such as computers in an office building, a school, or a home. LANs are useful for sharing files, applications, and games. There are four types of LAN connections:

Ring Networks- a system in which all stations are linked, forming a continuous loop.

Bus Networks- a system in which all stations share one communication cable.

Star Networks- a network where traffic flows to and from central station.

Tree Networks- a network that has two or more star networks combined.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network is a network that has a wider connection than a LAN. They are usually connected LANs and span a large geographical area such as a country or a city.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

They transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. They also make your laptop or computer more portable without the need of wires. WLAN can only be used in the same building you are in or at least in the same proximity, hence the name ‘Wireless Local Area Network’.

Bibliography

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_lan.htm

http://www.geemultimedia.com.au/glossary.asp

http://www.accesswireless.org/general/glossary.cfm