When a network is setup through communication channels by connecting two or more computers, it is known as a Computer Network. It allows computers to communicate with each other and to share data, commands, software resources and hardware.
Some popular computer networks are:
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network is limited to small geographical areas like within a company, office, school, etc. LANs are setup by using Ethernet cables.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
This kind of network covers a metropolitan area like a town or city. A MAN is setup by connecting local area networks of a town or city. It is the best network for the people of a specific region to share any information or data.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Its coverage extends to a large geographical area. It is not limited to a school, town or office. Generally, telecommunications lines are used to setup WAN. Big organisations like MNCs and banks usually communicate with their customers and branches through WAN. The internet that is used by us also falls in this category.
