Types of Networks

In the world of computers, networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are build with a mix of computer software and computer hardware.

Types of Networks are:

• Network Design
• Area Networks
• Network Topology
• Network Protocols
• Wired vs Wireless

1. Network Design: Network design is a type of networks, which includes Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer configuration.  

2. Area Networks: Area Networks includes - 

• LAN: LAN stands for Local Area Network. Local Area Networking is used primarily in small areas such as schools, hospitals and office buildings. Local Area Networking, is one of the older types of networks. TCP/IP is used as the method of communication between computers in Local Area Networking. Due to its small size, it is possible for one person to administrate a Local Area Network. Local Area Networks are viable to quick change, using a bus network topology that allows for easy access to the Local Area Network.

• MAN: Metropolitan Area Networks are not commonly used these days, they are used to create communication between systems in an entire city. Hence a Metropolitan Area Network area falls between the sizes Local Area Networks, and Wide Area Networks. Metropolitan Area Networks are used by city specific businesses such as the New York Times in the state of New York.

• WAN: A WAN (Wide Area Network or extended network) connects multiple LANs to one another over great geographic distances. Wide Area Networks, are used across the globe, many networks connect with one another across continents to create one giant Wide Area Network. Wide Area Networks use optic fibre as their communication medium. The largest example of a Wide Area Network is the internet itself, which connects all users to the information and data that is available on the the internet.

• CAN: Campus Area Networks are usually a connection of many small LAN networks which are often used on university campuses and office buildings. Campus Area Networks allow for easy file sharing between different departments as all the files are usually shared on the server machines of each LAN network. This type of network offers a lot of simplicity in the transfer and downloading of files.

• SAN: Storage Area Networks are primarily used as information databases. They are not usually used by large organizations  or similar entities. They are specifically used for the storage of information, and easy retrieval of specific pieces of data whenever required. Storage Area Networks are usually used by websites which offer downloading services.

• WLAN: a LAN based on WiFi wireless network technology.  

3. Network Topology: A Network topology is the physical communication scheme used by connected devices. Types of Network Topology are:

• Bus Topology: A bus topology such as 10Base-2 or 10Base-5 Ethernet uses a single communication backbone for all devices.
• Ring Topology:  A ring topology such as FDDI or SONET sends messages clockwise or counterclockwise through the shared link.
• Star Topology: A star topology typically uses a network hub or switch and is common in home networks.
• Mesh Topology: A mesh topology provides redundant communication paths between some or all devices (partial or full mesh).
• Tree:  A tree topology integrates the star and bus topologies in a hybrid approach to improve network scalability.   

4. Network Protocols: "Network Protocol" usually refers to a set of rules that define an exact format for communication between systems. For example 

• HTTP protocol defines the format for communication between web browsers and web servers.
• IMAP protocol defines the format for communication between IMAP email servers and clients.
• SSL protocol defines a format for encrypted communications over the Internet.
• FTP protocol allows users to move files from one computer to another.

5. Wired vs Wireless:  Computer networks for the home and small business can be built using either wired or wireless technology. 

•  Wired Network: Wired Network uses Ethernet cables and network adapters. Although two computers can be directly wired to each other using an Ethernet crossover cable, wired network generally also require central devices like hubs, switches, or routers to accommodate more computers.
  
  
  
  
  
  For dial-up connections to the Internet, the computer hosting the modem must run Internet Connection Sharing or similar software to share the connection with all other computers on the  networks. Broadband routers allow easier sharing of cable modem or DSL Internet connections, plus they often include built-in firewall support.

• Wireless Network: The term wireless networking refers to technology that enables two or more computers to communicate using standard network protocols, but without network cabling. Strictly speaking, any technology that does this could be called wireless networking. The current buzzword however generally refers to wireless LANs.
  
  
  
  
  This technology, fuelled by the emergence of cross-vendor industry standards such as IEEE 802.11, has produced a number of affordable wireless solutions that are growing in popularity with business and schools as well as sophisticated applications where network wiring is impossible, such as in warehousing or point-of-sale handheld equipment.

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