Network Definition, and Its classification, topology

A Network is a group of computers and other hardware components interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information. To prepare a network we have some network topology like, Bus Topology, Token Ring Topology, Star Topology etc.

BUS Topology

 The manner how you are arranging the computers connect to each other in the Network, is called Topology. In other words The geometric arrangement of a computer system. 

See the Network Topology Diagram

Token Ring Topology

The computer Network is classified based on Geographic proximity. such as LAN, WAN, MAN, CAN, HAN, etc.

Star Topology

We can classified the network based  on Host Role, in two way like below,

    1.Peer-to-Peer

    2.Client - Server

 Now we will discuss about the network classification based on Geographic proximity.

LAN:- (Local Area Network) The first kind of network based on geography is the Local Area Network or LAN . Local area network resides within a small geographic area.The computers are geographically close together (that is, in the same building).

WAN:- (Wide Area Network) It's also possible to have a computer network where the networks and the hosts are very widely distributed geographically.A wide area network is a group of interconnected LAN s, Local Area Networks, that are separated geographically. The computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves or lease lines.

MAN:- (Metropolitan Area Network) Metropolitan Area Network is spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city.A MAN can be owned and operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation, but it usually used by many individuals and organizations. The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a college campus or military base.

CAN:- (Campus Area Network) A data network designed for a town or city. A campus area network, or corporate area network or CAN is a computer network  made up of an interconnection of local area networks  (LAN s) within a limited geographical area.The networking equipments like Router Switches and transmission media (optical fiber, copper plant, Cat5 etc.) are almost entirely owned by the campus tenant / owner: an enterprise, university, government etc.

HAN:- (Home Area Network) A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's digital devices.