Types of Networks

There are many types of networks used by businesses and organizations. Since each business and organization has its own needs, each network is unique.

Network Size
The size of a network can often determine which type of network a business or organization should use. Different ways. For example, a network with over 1,000 users is organized differently and requires a variety of components not found on a network with only five users.

Network Cost
The Size and type of a network determine its cost. The larger the network, the more costly the network is to build, set up and maintain. In addition to needing extra hardware and cables, a larger network also requires specialized cabling and computers to link users and devices that are far apart.

Local Area Networks (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is the most common type of network found in businesses. Local Area Networks connect computers and devices located close to each other, such as in one building. Local Area Networks connect from as few as two computers to usually no more than 100 computers.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is collection of LANs. Metropolitan Area Networks connect computers located in the same geographic area, such as a city or town. For example, a college may use a Metropolitan Area Network that connects the LAN on each campus throughout a city.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects Area Networks and Metropolitan Area Networks together. The networks that make up a Wide Area Network may be located throughout a country or even around the world. When a single company owns and controls a Wide Area Network, the Wide Area Network is often referred to as an enterprise network. The Internet is the largest Wide Area Network.

By: Ali Masood

Source: http://www.ittips4you.blogspot.com

What is a Network?

A network is a group of connected computers that allow users to share information and equipment.

Network Size
A network can be any size. For Example, connecting two home computers so they can share data creates a simple network. Companies can have networks consisting of a few dozen computers or hundreds of computers. The Internet is the world,s largest network and connects millions of computers all over the world.

Logging On
Network users are usually required to identify themselves before they can gain access to the information on a network. This is known as logging on. Each user must enter a personalized user name and password to access a network. By keeping this information secret, users can prevent unauthorized people from accessing the network.


Sharing Information
You can use a network to share information with other people. Information can be ant form of data, such as a document created in a word processing program, a picture drawn in an imaging application or information from a database. Before networks, people often used floppy disks or any other storage device to exchange information between computers, which was a slow and unreliable process. With networks, exchanging information between computers is quick and easy.

Sharing Resources
Computers connected to a network can share equipment and devices, called resources. The ability to share resources the cost of buying computer hardware. For example, instead of having to buy a printer for each person on a network, everyone can share one central printer.

Sharing Programs
Networks allow people to access programs stored on a central computer, such a s a spreadsheet or word processing program. Individuals can use their own computers to access and work with the programs. By sharing a program, a company can avoid having to install a copy of the program on each person's computer.

By: Ali Masood
Article Source: http://www.ittips4you.blogspot.com