Networks - How Many Are They?

Network

Why do we need network? Why is it so important? People use network every single minute and second to communicate with other people (facebook) and share resources (using the internet). 

There are three main types of networks - local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN). However, when defining a network (or computer network), you must also consider number of nodes (size) and geographical scope of the network.

Client Server Network

Firstly, in LAN, this type of network is connected within a premise (let's say an office) and uses high-speed internet connections. Network within an office can be referred to as a local area network.

In MAN, the network covers a metropolitan (that's why it's called metropolitan area network) and uses either low or high speed connections.

In WAN, the network covers a large geographical area (country or continent). An InterNet (International Network) is a good example as this network covers network of the whole world. The Internet uses low-speed communication link to transfer data.

There are other forms of network like personal area network (PAN) and global area network (GAN). PAN covers a network around a single person and uses Bluetooth Technology. GAN is a network that encompasses a global network and uses different combination of technologies (satellite communication). 

Another network called workgroup network, is a network that connect several PCs (personal computers) and does not create more weight on a single PC. Client-server networks involves a server network that has specific authority on client network computers. Usually, this computer network will provide services (like storage services, printing services and internet services) to other client networks upon request. 

Internetworking is another form of network which links computer nodes within a single business organization. There are two types of internetworking - intranet and extranet.

Intranet is an internetwork that covers networks among employees within a company and connect to network of remote branch.

Extranet is an internetwork that connects internal computers to the outside network. For example: ATM network. Usually, when a business wants to offer services to an outside source, the business will use extranet.