Computer network

Computer network is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes to share resources. In computer networks, computing devices exchange data with each other using connections between nodes. These data links are established over cable media such as wires or optic cables, or wireless media such as Wi-Fi.

Types of computer networks

There are several different types of computer networks. Common types of networks include:

• Local Area Network (LAN) - A network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school, office building, or closely positioned group of buildings.
• Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries).
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN).
• Personal Area Network (PAN) - A network organized around an individual person within a single building. This could include devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, laptops and personal computers.

Network topology

Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network. Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including computer networks.

Network protocols

Network protocols define rules and conventions for communication between network devices. Protocols for computer networking all generally use packet switching techniques to send and receive messages in the form of packets.

See also

• Internet
• Intranet
• Extranet
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)

References

Computer network Resources
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