Network+Types

Back Networks Types

There are different types of network:
 * 1) LAN
 * 2) WAN
 * 3) WLAN
 * 4) Peer to peer
 * 5) Client/Server

Describe a LAN

A LAN is a group of interconnected devices that is under the same administrative control. In the past, LANs were considered to be small networks that existed in a single physical location. Although LANs can be as small as a single local network installed in a home or small office, over time, the definition of LANs has evolved to include interconnected local networks consisting of many hundreds of devices, installed in multiple buildings and locations.



The important thing to remember is that all of the local networks within a LAN are under one administrative control group that governs the security and access control policies that are in force on the network. In this context, the word Local refers to local consistent control rather than being physically close to each other. Devices in a LAN might be physically close, but this is not a requirement.

Describe a WAN

A WAN is a network that connects LANs in geographically separated locations. The most common example of a WAN is the Internet. The Internet is a large WAN that is composed of millions of interconnected LANs. Telecommunications service providers are used to interconnect these LANs at different locations.



Describe a WLAN

In a traditional LAN, devices are connected together using copper cabling. In some environments, installing copper cabling might not be practical, desirable, or even possible. In these situations, wireless devices are used to transmit and receive data using radio waves. These networks are called wireless LANs, or WLANs. As with LANs, on a WLAN you can share resources, such as files and printers, and access the Internet.

In a WLAN, wireless devices connect to access points within a specified area, as shown in Figure 1. Access points are typically connected to the network using copper cabling. Instead of providing copper cabling to every network host, only the wireless access point is connected to the network with copper cabling. The range (radius of coverage) for typical WLAN systems varies from under 30m (98.4 ft.) indoors to much greater distances outdoors, depending on the technology used



<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Explain peer-to-peer network

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">In a peer-to-peer network, there are no dedicated servers or hierarchy among the computers. In this type of network, each device has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. Individual users are responsible for their own resources and can decide which data and devices to share. Because individual users are responsible for the resources on their own computers, the network has no central point of control or administration.



<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Peer-to-peer networks work best in environments with ten or fewer computers. Because individual users are in control of their own computers, there is no need to hire a dedicated network administrator.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Peer-to-peer networks have several disadvantages:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">There is no centralized network administration, which makes it difficult to determine who controls resources on the network.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">There is no centralized security. Each computer must use separate security measures for data protection.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">The network becomes more complex and difficult to manage as the number of computers on the network increases.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">There might be no centralized data storage. Separate data backups must be maintained. This responsibility falls on the individual users.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Explain client/server networksworks

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">In a client/server network, the client requests information or services from the server. The server provides the requested information or service to the client. Servers on a client/server network commonly perform some of the processing work for client machines, for example, sorting through a database before delivering only the records requested by the client.



<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">One example of a client/server network is a corporate environment in which employees use a company e-mail server to send, receive, and store e-mail. The e-mail client on an employee computer issues a request to the e-mail server for any unread e-mail. The server responds by sending the requested e-mail to the client.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">In a client/server model, network administrators maintain the servers. The network administrator implements data backups and security measures. The network administrator also controls user access to the network resources. All of the data on the network is stored on a centralized file server. A centralized print server manages shared printers on the network. Each user must provide an authorized username and password to gain access to network resources that each person is permitted to use.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Summary <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">There are four types of networks: LAN, WAN, WLAN, peer to peer and client server network.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LAN is a group of devices that connected together using cables in one or small group of building which is controlled by one administrator.


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">WAN: groups of LANs that connected in different building or location.


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">WLAN: this type of network connects wireless devices by using access point instead of cabling.


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Peer to peer: a small group of computers up to 10, connected together. In this network there is no administration and each user controls his computer and share resources. It has some disadvantages such as lack of security and difficulties in managing networks.


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Client/Server: this type of network includes a server which provides services of the client such as requesting file or printing. It has an administer to maintain the server. Also, it has many functions like providing security.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt;">Resource

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">CISCO Networking Academy Program Website