A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of computers and

devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate communications and allows

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
shadifferent types of computer networksring of resources and information among interconnected
devices.

Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics such as medium used to
transport the data, communications protocol used, scale, topology, organizational
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Exof different neA wide area network (WAN), which is a network covering a large geographic
area.Computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of
computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate
communications and allows sharing of resources and information among
interconnected devices.

Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics such as

medium used to transport the data, communications protocol used, scale, topology,
organizational scope, etc.

Examples of different network scales are:

A local area network (LAN), which is usually a small network constrained to a

small geographic area. An example of a LAN would be a computer network within
a building.

A metropolitan area network (MAN), which is used for medium-sized area such as
city or a state.

A wide area network (WAN), which is a network covering a large geographic area.
LocaLLLLLLLLLLl Area Netw

ork (LAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a hybrid between a LAN and a WAN. Like a WAN, it
connects two or more LANs in the same geographic area. A MAN, for example, might connect
two different buildings or offices in the same city. However, whereas WANs typically provide
low- to medium-speed access, MANs provide high-speed connections, such as T1 (1.544Mbps)
and optical services.

A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network
whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries). This is in
contrast with personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area networks
(CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs) which are usually limited to a room, building,
campus or specific metropolitan area (e.g., a city) respectively,

Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such
as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The
largest WAN in existence is the Internet.