Computer Network

A system of interconnected computers and peripheral devices and which these devices can communicate with each other.

Type of Network
Local Area Network ( LAN) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Wide Area Network (WAN)

LAN
Network that connects

computers and devices in a limited geographical area.

Example : In a building

MAN

A high speed network that connects LAN in a metropolitan area.

Collects LANs within the same city.

WAN
A network that covers a large geographical area (world). Internet is an example of WAN

Comparison between 3 type of networks

CRITERIA Cost LAN Low MAN High WAN Higher

Size
Speed Transmission media N.O of node

Small
Fastest Twisted pair Smallest

Larger
Slower Fiber optic Large

Largest
Slowest Satellite

Largest