two types of computer network

"two types of computer network"

Types of networks.

Computer networks can be classified in different measures. When categorizing networks, attributes such as size or the number of nodes in the network, the geographical spreading of the network and the technology used by the network are taken into account.

The most popular way of sorting network types depends on the geographical extend of the network. By organizing networks in this manner, we can identify three types of networks.

Local area network (LAN)

A Local Area Network is a small computer network usually set up within a single building. As a rule, the communication links are high-speed connections. (E.g. Network within your office)

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

This type of a network covers a metropolitan or a municipality area. Communication links may include low to high-speed connections.

Wide area network (WAN)

This is a network that covers a large geographical area - may be a country or a continent. This type of networks typically use low-speed links for data transfer. (E.g. the Internet)