What Is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system in which two or more computing devices are connected to transmit and share information.

What Is a Computer Network?

Computer Network is an interconnection of numerous computers to share an operating system, hardware, and information through a transmission mode between them. There is no restriction to the area between two computers in a network.

A computer network involves the following elements

Nodes (Workstations)

The multiple terminals connected to the network sharing the network resources are known as nodes.

1. Server

We assign a specific node as a main or central node at a well-known and permanent address to support the network. The node offering the service is called the server.

2. Network Interface Unit

The interpreter, which connects the server and multiple nodes, is known as the Network Interface Unit. The network interface unit is linked to the server and all workstations to keep up the connection.

Elements of a Computer Network

The computer network involves the following networking elements

1. Sender

The computer wants to give a message to some mainframe or computers.

2. Receiver

The computer takes the data from the sender who wishes to communicate.

3. Communication Medium

It is the medium over which the sender connects to the receiver. It can be used if the distance between sender and receiver is less, or it can be wireless if the distance between sender and receiver is much more.

4. Protocols

It is a set of rules which the sender and receiver will follow.

Types of Computer Networks

The following are the types of computer networks:

• Personal Area Network (PAN): A small network used for communication between personal devices like phones, laptops, and tablets.
• Local Area Network (LAN): A network that connects computers within a small area, such as a home, office, or building.
• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A LAN that uses wireless technology, like Wi-Fi, to connect devices.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that spans a city or a large campus, connecting multiple LANs.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that covers a large geographical area, often connecting multiple MANs or LANs.
• Campus Area Network (CAN): A network that connects multiple LANs within a limited area, such as a university or corporate campus.
• Storage Area Network (SAN): A high-speed network that provides access to consolidated storage devices.
• System Area Network: A network used to connect high-performance computers in a data center or cluster.
• Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN): A point-to-multipoint LAN architecture using fiber optics to reduce costs and infrastructure.
• Enterprise Private Network (EPN): A private network used by businesses to securely connect their multiple locations.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): A secure network that uses the internet to connect remote users to a private network.