5 Types of Computer Networks, Advantages and Disadvantages

Computer networks are used to connect one computer with another. This network is widely used every day. Understand the definition of computer networks and the internet, complete with their types, advantages, and disadvantages in this article. Very important in network monitoring, check out the full explanation.

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system that connects many independent computers to share information and resources. The integration of computers and other different devices allows users to communicate with each other easily. Network connections can be made using both wired and wireless media. Hardware and software are used to connect computers and equipment on any network.

The utilization of computer networks includes:

• communicate using email, video, instant messaging, and much more
• sharing devices such as printers, scanners, and others
• sharing documents
• sharing software and operating programs on remote systems
• access and manage information on the network easily.

Types of Computer Networks

Currently, there are many types of computer networks used for various purposes. But there are 5 main types of networks that are most commonly used, namely PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN. Here is the explanation:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN is the most basic type of computer network. This is a type of network designed to connect devices over short distances, typically for one person. PAN allows the personal devices we use daily, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and others, to connect and communicate with each other.

PAN offers a network range of 1-100 meters from person to device that provides communication. Its transmission speed is very high with very easy maintenance and very low cost. PAN uses Bluetooth, IrDA, and Zigbee as its technologies.

Type PAN

• Wireless Personal Area Networks: created by utilizing wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. This is a short-range network.
• Wired Personal Area Network: a wired personal area network built using USB.

Advantages of PAN

• Relatively flexible and provides high efficiency for short-range networks.
• Need easy arrangements and relatively low costs.
• Does not require installation and frequent maintenance.
• Easy to use and portable.
• It does not require high technical skills to use it.

Disadvantages of PAN

• The network coverage is low.
• Limited to relatively low data speeds.
• Devices may not be compatible with each other.

The use of PAN

• Network usage at home and office.
• Hospital.
• Schools and universities.

2. Local Area Network (LAN)

As the most commonly used network, LAN is a computer network that connects computers through common communication paths, found in a limited area, specifically locally. LAN includes two or more computers connected through a server. Two important technologies involved in LAN are Ethernet and WiFi.

Advantages

• It is a private network, thus providing privacy.
• Its speed is high, around 100 Mbps.
• Supporting various media transmissions.
• The cost is affordable and simple.

Disadvantages

• The initial installation cost is quite high.
• Devices such as Ethernet cables, hub switches, and routers are quite expensive.
• The LAN administrator can view users’ personal data files and internet history.

Usage

• Communication.
• Sharing data.
• Sharing resources.
• Accessing the internet.

3. Campus Area Network (CAN)

CAN is larger than LAN, but smaller than MAN. CAN is a type of computer network that is usually used in schools and universities. The geographical area is limited, spread across several school/campus buildings.

Advantages

• Its speed is high.
• Network administrators maintain the network by continuously monitoring, tracking, and restricting access.
• Cost-effective.

Disadvantages

• Its reach is very limited, only within the school or campus area.

4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is larger than LAN, but smaller than WAN. MAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a certain geographical distance through a shared communication path in a city. MAN is usually used in cities of various sizes or metropolitan areas. This network primarily uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as technologies with a range between 5 km to 50 km. The transmission speed is medium.

Advantages of MAN

• Offering high-speed connectivity with speeds ranging from 10-100 Mbps.
• MAN supports bidirectional data transmission simultaneously due to its dual bus network architecture.
• MAN can serve many users simultaneously with the same high-speed internet for all users.
• Enables centralized network management and control, making it easier to monitor and manage network resources and security.

Disadvantages of MAN

• The architecture of MAN is quite complex, making it difficult to design and maintain.
• The cost is very high because it requires a lot of money to install fiber optics.
• The data transfer speed of a MAN is low compared to a LAN.
• The tolerance for errors is lower.

The use of MAN

MAN allows its users to connect LANs. This network is more comprehensive than a LAN and offers better security than a WAN. MAN usually covers several areas of a city or even an entire city. This network increases data handling efficiency while also boosting data transfer speeds.

5. Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over large geographical distances through shared communication paths. This network is not limited to a single location, but extends to many locations. WAN can also be defined as a group of local area networks that communicate with each other over a distance of more than 50 km.

Advantages of WAN

• It can cover a wide geographical area, thereby increasing the company’s reach to transmit data quickly and at an affordable rate.
• Data can be stored centrally because remote access to the data is provided by WAN.
• The costs required to physically cover a geographic area can be minimized.
• Allows users or companies to connect to the world very easily and enables data exchange as well as doing business at a global level.

Disadvantages of WAN

• The risk of congestion in the WAN is very high.
• The WAN’s fault tolerance capability is very low.
• Errors may often occur because there are many connection points.
• The data transfer speed is slower compared to LAN due to the long distance and the many systems connected in the network.

WAN Usage

• Global business: enabling businesses to operate globally by connecting their offices with their data centers.
• Sharing resources: WAN allows users to share resources and applications with others on the same network.
• Bandwidth improvement: can use leased lines to increase bandwidth and upload speed.

There you have it, a complete explanation about the definition of computer networks, the most common types, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you choose the right network and monitor it regularly with reliable services from Netmonk. Visit the website for more information!