4.1 Basics of Networking

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Basics of Networking: -

  • A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the computer to communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and applications.
  • Computer Networks are divided several classes regarding the size, distance and the structure.
  • Networks can use:

                1. Wired connections such as Ethernet cables and fiber-optic cables

                2. Wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks

  •  Computer networks can be classified based on:

  1. Geographical Area
  2. Transmission Medium
  3. Ownership and Access Control

 

1) Classification Based on Geographical Area: - This classification is based on the physical area covered by a network.

The main types are:

            a. PAN

            b. LAN

            c. CAN

            d. MAN

            e. WAN

a) Personal Area Network (PAN): - A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network used to connect personal devices around a single person.

Coverage: About 1 to 10 meters

Technologies: Bluetooth, NFC, Infrared

Examples:

  • Smartphone connected to wireless earbuds.
  • Mobile phone connected to a smartwatch.
  • Laptop connected to a Bluetooth mouse.

Uses:

  • Sharing data between personal devices.
  • Connecting wireless accessories.
  • Short-distance communication.

Real time Example: - When you connect your mobile phone to Bluetooth earbuds, it forms a PAN.

 

b) Local Area Network (LAN): - A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers and devices within a small geographical area. It is commonly used in:

  • Homes
  • Offices
  • Schools
  • Computer laboratories
  • College buildings

Technologies: Ethernet, Wi-Fi

Examples:

  • College computer laboratory network.
  • Office network.
  • Home Wi-Fi network.

Uses:

  • Sharing files.
  • Sharing printers.
  • Sharing Internet connection.
  • Communication between computers.
  • Sharing software and other resources

Features:

  • Covers a small area.
  • Provides high-speed communication.
  • Usually managed by one organization or person.
  • Relatively easy to maintain.
  • Provides good security within the local network.

Real time Example: - In a college computer lab, 30 computers are connected to one network so that students can access shared resources.

 

c) Campus Area Network (CAN): - A Campus Area Network (CAN) connects multiple LANs within a college, university, company, or large campus.

Coverage: Campus or group of nearby buildings

Technologies: Ethernet, Fiber Optics

Examples:

  • College campus network.
  • University network connecting different departments.
  • Corporate campus network.

Uses of CAN:

  • Connecting different departments.
  • Sharing servers and databases.
  • Sharing Internet connections.
  • Providing communication between buildings.

Real time Example: - Suppose a college has separate LANs in the Computer Science Department, Library, Administration Block, and Science Block. If these LANs are connected together, they form a CAN.

d) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): - A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects multiple LANs over a city or large town. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.

Coverage: City or metropolitan area

Technologies: Fiber Optics, Microwave, Metro Ethernet

Examples:

  • City-wide network.
  • Network connecting government offices in a city.
  • ISP network covering a city.

Uses of MAN:

  • Connecting offices located in different parts of a city.
  • Providing high-speed communication across a city.
  • Connecting government departments.
  • Providing Internet and communication services.

Real time Example: If a company has offices in different areas of Mancherial and connects all those offices through one network, it can be considered a MAN. A MAN can be created by connecting several LANs together over a metropolitan area.

e) Wide Area Network (WAN): - A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers and networks over a very large geographical area. It can cover:

  • States
  • Countries
  • Continents
  • The entire world

Technologies:

  • Fiber-optic cables
  • Leased lines
  • Satellite communication
  • Internet infrastructure

Examples:

  • Internet
  • Bank networks connecting branches in different states.
  • Railway reservation networks.
  • Multinational company networks.

Uses of WAN:

  • Long-distance communication.
  • Connecting offices in different cities or countries.
  • Sharing information between distant locations.
  • Providing global services.

Real time Example: - A bank has branches in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. If these branches are connected through a large network, it is a WAN. The Internet is the world's largest WAN.

 

Comparison of PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN and WAN

Network

Full Form

Coverage

Example

PAN

Personal Area Network

Very small area

Mobile + Bluetooth earbuds

LAN

Local Area Network

Room, building, small area

Computer lab

CAN

Campus Area Network

College or company campus

College departments

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network

City

City-wide ISP network

WAN

Wide Area Network

Country or world

Internet

 

2) Classification Based on Transmission Medium: - This classification is based on how data travels between devices. There are two important types:

            a. Broadcast Network

           b. Point-to-Point Network

a) Broadcast Network: - A broadcast network uses a shared communication medium. When one device sends data, the data can be received by multiple devices connected to the shared network. The destination address helps the intended device identify and process its data.

Features:

  • Uses a shared communication medium.
  • Communication can follow a one-to-many model.
  • Multiple devices may receive the transmitted data.
  • The destination address identifies the intended receiver.

Examples:

  • Traditional Ethernet bus networks.
  • Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi)

Real time Example: In a Wi-Fi network, several devices such as laptops and mobile phones share the same wireless medium. When data is transmitted, devices in the network may receive the signal, but the intended device processes the data meant for it.

b) Point-to-Point Network: - A point-to-point network uses a dedicated link between two communicating devices. Communication mainly follows a one-to-one model.

Features:

  • Uses a dedicated connection
  • Data travels between two endpoints
  • Routers can forward data through intermediate networks
  • Routing is used to determine the path in large networks

Examples

  • Leased-line connection
  • Telephone connection
  • Links between routers in a network

Real time Example: If two offices are connected through a dedicated leased line, the connection between them is a point-to-point connection.

3) Classification Based on Ownership and Access Control: - This classification is based on who owns the network and who is allowed to use it. The three main types are:

        a.  Private Network

        b.  Public Network

        c.  Hybrid Network

a) Private Network: - A private network is owned and managed by an individual, company, college, government organization, or other institution. Only authorized users can access the network.

Features:

  • Access is restricted
  • Provides better control and privacy
  • Users may need usernames and passwords
  • Used mainly for internal communication

Examples

  • College network
  • Office LAN
  • Corporate intranet
  • Private cloud network

Real time Example: A college provides Wi-Fi only for faculty and authorized students using login credentials. This is a private network.

b) Public Network: - A public network is available to the general public. It is usually provided by Internet Service Providers, telecom companies, or other service providers.

Features:

  • Available to many users
  • Easy to access
  • May require little or no authentication
  • Security risks can be higher than in a properly secured private network
  • Can use wired or wireless communication

Examples

  • Internet
  • Public Wi-Fi
  • Mobile cellular networks

Real time Example: -Wi-Fi provided freely at a railway station or airport for passengers is a public network.

c) Hybrid Network: - A hybrid network combines private and public networks. An organization can keep its important internal systems private while using public networks such as the Internet for external communication.

Features:

  • Combines private and public connectivity
  • Provides internal access control
  • Allows communication with external networks
  • Common in modern organizations and cloud systems

Examples

  • Company network connected to the Internet
  • Enterprise cloud network
  • Online banking system

Real time Example: A bank keeps its internal database and employee systems in a private network but uses the Internet to allow customers to access online banking. This is an example of a hybrid network.

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