Types of Network

☞ A computer network may be small or big depending upon the number of computers and other networking devices linked together.

☞ On the basis of geographical spread, networks maybe classified as :

  1. PAN(PERSONAL AREA NETWORK)
  2. LAN(LOCAL AREA NETWORK)
  3. MAN(METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK)
  4. WAN(WIDE AREA NETWORK)

PARAMETERPANLANMANWAN
Area coveredSmall area up to 10 m radiusA building or campus up to 10 kmA city of 100 km radiusEntire country, continent or globe
Networking costNegligibleIn expensiveExpensiveVery expensive
Transmission speedHigh speedHigh speedModerate speedLow speed
Error rateLowestLowestModerateHighest
Network devices usedUSB, dongle, WLANHub/Switch, Repeater, Modem, LAN/WLANRouter, GatewayRouter, Gateway
Technology/Media usedInfrared, BluetoothEthernet, Wi-FiOptical fiber, Radiowave, MicrowaveMicrowave, Satellite