TYPES OF NETWORKS. Networks. A network is a set of computers that are linked together so they can...
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Transcript of TYPES OF NETWORKS. Networks. A network is a set of computers that are linked together so they can...
TYPES OF NETWORKS.
Networks
What is a Network?
A network is a set of computers that are
linked together so they can share
resources such as printers, data files and
software.
Advantages of a Network
1. Resource Sharing - Sharing resources is
another area in which a network exceeds stand-
alone computers. Most schools cannot afford
enough printers, fax machines etc. However, if
these or similar peripherals are added to a network,
they can be shared by many users.
Advantages of a Network cont’d
2. Speed - Networks provide a very
rapid method for sharing and
transferring files.
Disadvantages of a Network
1. Expensive to Install - Although a
network will generally save money over time,
the initial costs of installation can be
prohibitive.
Disadvantages of a Network cont’d
2. Requires Administrative Time - Proper
maintenance of a network requires
considerable time and expertise.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
There are three types of Networks:
1.LAN (Local Area Network)
2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
3.WAN (Wide Area Network)
Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a network of
computers located in a single building, a single
site, an office suite or a group of buildings. It
connects devices that are confined to a
relatively small geographical area.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Ferncourt High School Lab
1. Flexibility – Many different hardware
devices e.g. plotters, printers and
computers can be attached to a LAN.
2. Hardware and software sharing- All
resources are share among users.
Advantages of LAN
1. The LAN is confined to a small
geographical area.
2. Cables can be destroyed easily.
Disadvantages of LAN
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network is larger than
LAN. It can span several buildings and
possibly into other cities.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Claremont Town
LibraryPharmac
y
Scotia Bank
F.H.S
Internet cafe
1. Joins together two or more LANs situated around a
site.
2. Can cover a larger geographical distance than
LAN.
Advantages of MAN
1. They typically use wireless connections
that are prone to interference.
2. Costly to install and maintain.
Disadvantages of MAN
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) can consist of
several LANs and can connect computers
across cities, states and even countries.
WANs are used by large companies that
have offices abroad.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Jamaica
Barbados
England
USA
Advantages of WAN
1.Covers a wide area of networks.
2.Beneficial to large companies and
Government agencies.
Disadvantages of WAN
1. Expensive to Install - Although a network will
generally save money over time, the initial costs of
installation can be prohibitive.
2. Requires Administrative Time - Proper
maintenance of a network requires considerable
time and expertise.
The End