What is a Computer Network

                            

A computer network is a group of computers connected with each other through a transmission medium such as cable, wire, etc. Connected computers can communicate with each other share the recourses (such as hard disk, files, and folders) and access remote devices or another network. A network is a multipurpose connection, which allows a single computer to do more.

Types of computer network

A computer network can be many different types of networks, which can be used for different purposes and by different types of people and organizations. Here are some of the network types.

Local Area Networks (LAN)                                      

A local area network (LAN) is a network that over a small geographical area such as home, building, office, etc. In LAN, computers are placed relatively close. Since computers are located within small distance, they do not need special devices and cables to connect with each other.

Personal Area Networks (PAN)                     

A personal area network (PAN) is a personal device's network equipped in a limited area. PAN ordinary has such mobile devices: cell phone, tablet, laptop. That type of network could also be wirelessly connected to the Internet.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network over a large geographical area such as state, region, country, etc. WANs are typically used to connect two or more LANs or MANs which are located relatively very far from each other. To provide connectivity, this network uses special devices, cables, and technologies.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that usually distances a city or a large campus. MAN is a network with a size greater than LAN but smaller than a WAN. A MAN usually interconnects several local area networks (LANs) using a high-capacity backbone technology, such as fiber-optical links and provides up-link services to wide area networks (or WAN) and the Internet.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)                        

A Virtual Private Network is a connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and the Internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more.