3.1.

2 Classification of
network
Advantages of using a network include:
facilitating communications
sharing hardware
sharing data and information
sharing software
transferring funds.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

The main differentiation among these

classifications is their area of coverage.

LAN, MAN and WAN compared

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A local area network (LAN) is a network that

connects computers and devices in a limited
geographical area.

Example such as a home, school computer laboratory,

office building or closely positioned group of buildings.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

The simplest form of LAN is to connect two

computers together.

COMPUTER
2

COMPUTER
1
Switch /
hub

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A network which consists of less than 500

interconnected devices across several
buildings, is still recognized as a LAN.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A personal area network (PAN) is a

computer network used for communication
among computer and different information
technological devices close to one person.
Smartphone

Headphone

PDA

Laptop

Mouse

Printer

3.1.2 Classification of
network

Examples of devices that are used in a PAN

are:

Personal computers
Printers
Fax machines
Telephones
PDAs
Scanners
Video game consoles.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A wired PAN is usually constructed with USB

and Fire wire connections.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

Technologies such as Bluetooth and infrared

communication typically form a wireless
PAN.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A home area network (HAN) is a residential

LAN which is used for communication
between digital devices typically deployed
in the home, usually a small number of
personal computers and accessories, such
as printers and mobile computing devices.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

An important function is the sharing of

Internet access, often a broadband service
through a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
provider.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Easy to share devices
(printers, scanners, external drives)
Easy to share data
(homework, pictures)
Cost of LAN Setup is low.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Power - a good LAN is required to
be on all the times.
Security - each computer and
device become another point of
entry for undesirables.
if all computers running at once,
can reduce speed for each.
Area covered is limited

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A metropolitan area network (MAN)

is a high-speed network that
connects local area networks in a
metropolitan area
Example such as a city or town and
handles the bulk of
communications activity
across that region.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A campus network is a computer network

made up of an interconnection of local area
networks (LAN's) within a limited
geographical area.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

In the case of a university campus-based

campus network, the network is likely to
link a variety of campus buildings
including; academic departments, the
university library and student residence
halls.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Academic
Departments

Universi
ty
Library

Student
Residence
Halls.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Efficiency and shared access.
All the computer-owning residents
of the area have equal ability to go
on line.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
It can be costly
(hardware, software, support, etc.)
Security problems
As the network consists of many
computers over the span of a city, the
connection can lag or
become quite slow.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A wide area network (WAN) is a network

that covers a large geographic area (such as
a city, country, or the world) using a
communications channel that combines
many types of media such as telephone
lines, cables, and radio waves.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

The Internet is
the worlds
largest WAN.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

3.1.2 Classification of
network

An enterprise private network is a network

build by an enterprise to interconnect
various company sites, e.g., production
sites, head offices, remote offices, shops, in
order to share computer resources.

Production site

Frequenc
y Band

Head offices

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Frequency Band

Production site

Head offices

3.1.2 Classification of
network

A virtual private network (VPN) is a

computer network in which some of the
links between nodes are carried by open
connections or virtual circuits in some larger
network (e.g., the Internet) instead of by
physical wires.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
VPN
serve
r

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Increased efficiency
Ease of communication
Lowered costs.

3.1.2 Classification of
network
Security problems
Training costs
Maintenance problems. Large
enterprises will dedicate personnel
to maintaining their WAN.

3.1.2 Classification of
network

LAN
MAN

WAN

Speed

Number
of
computer

Fastest

Smallest

Larger

Slower

Large

Largest

Slowest

Largest

Cost

Networ
k Size

Low

Small

High
Higher

3.1.2 Classification of
network

What is a network?
What are three advantages of using a
network?
Give two types of LAN configuration.
Give two types of WAN configuration.
List down two of WAN disadvantages.
Give two types of network communication
standard in wired category.
Give three types of network communication
standard in wireless category.