TYPES OF NETWORKS.

Networks

What is a Network?

A network is a set of computers that are

linked together so they can share

resources such as printers, data files and

software.

Advantages of a Network

1. Resource Sharing - Sharing resources is

another area in which a network exceeds stand-

alone computers. Most schools cannot afford

enough printers, fax machines etc. However, if

these or similar peripherals are added to a network,

they can be shared by many users.

 

Advantages of a Network cont’d

2. Speed - Networks provide a very

rapid method for sharing and

transferring files.

Disadvantages of a Network

1. Expensive to Install - Although a

network will generally save money over time,

the initial costs of installation can be

prohibitive.

Disadvantages of a Network cont’d

2. Requires Administrative Time - Proper

maintenance of a network requires

considerable time and expertise.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

There are three types of Networks:

1.LAN (Local Area Network)

2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

3.WAN (Wide Area Network)

 

Local Area Network (LAN)

A local area network (LAN) is a network of

computers located in a single building, a single

site, an office suite or a group of buildings. It

connects devices that are confined to a

relatively small geographical area.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Ferncourt High School Lab

1. Flexibility – Many different hardware

devices e.g. plotters, printers and

computers can be attached to a LAN.

2. Hardware and software sharing- All

resources are share among users.  

Advantages of LAN

1. The LAN is confined to a small

geographical area.

2. Cables can be destroyed easily.

Disadvantages of LAN

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network is larger than

LAN. It can span several buildings and

possibly into other cities.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Claremont Town

LibraryPharmac

y

Scotia Bank

F.H.S

Internet cafe

1. Joins together two or more LANs situated around a

site.

2. Can cover a larger geographical distance than

LAN.

Advantages of MAN

1. They typically use wireless connections

that are prone to interference.

2. Costly to install and maintain.

Disadvantages of MAN

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A wide area network (WAN) can consist of

several LANs and can connect computers

across cities, states and even countries.

WANs are used by large companies that

have offices abroad.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Jamaica

Barbados

England

USA

Advantages of WAN

1.Covers a wide area of networks.

2.Beneficial to large companies and

Government agencies.

Disadvantages of WAN

1. Expensive to Install - Although a network will

generally save money over time, the initial costs of

installation can be prohibitive.

2. Requires Administrative Time - Proper

maintenance of a network requires considerable

time and expertise.

The End