What is the Network?

A computer network serves to communicate and transfer information between two or more computers, as well as network equipment. Usually the term "computer network" is not used, using another concept - "local network".This is due to the fact that computer networks are often of a local type.

Types of computer networks

On the scale of communication networks are divided into several types.

The simplest type of connection is called PAN.AN stands for "Area Network".In other types of communication, the abbreviation AN means the same. P means "personal".This method is used to connect and transfer data between different devices belonging to the same owner that manages all of them.

A more common and more commonly used method is LAN.L is local. What is a local area network? This network is used to connect two or more computers within a single room, apartment, home, office. To the same case are networks that provide communication between computers in factories and similar large areas.

CAN - campus network. It serves to exchange information between buildings, houses, offices, which are located close to each other.   

MAN is a huge network connecting a huge number of computers that are located within one or several cities. This method of communication is used by various city or state management services. For example, transport management or other social structures. This network can include a few simple local networks or campus networks.

WAN.The largest network that can only be global. It means not all the globe, but some specific geographic region, or even a region. Such relationships are used by organizations that provide telecommunications services. In addition, this connection is still used to deliver the Internet through the global network. Since these networks are huge and designed for many users, they are generally available and open. As in the case of MAN-networks, WAN networks include smaller in terms of girth and size of communication.

In addition to the size and number of computers on the network, networks are also divided according to other criteria. Various methods of communication can be used, from both a simple terrestrial telephone line and to satellites. Also share the network and the speed of data transfer.


The criteria for classification of networks can include the factor, such as access levels or the rank of users. There may be networks where all computers are in the status of users and are all the same in rights. In this case, there is no such computer server. Such cases occur in small networks where several computers are found. For example, 2-3 computers in one apartment or house. There is another case when there are server computers. This option is used in more serious and large networks, where it is important to manage and monitor all computers from one main center - the place where the server part is located.

In addition to all the above, there are networks called peer-to-peer( file-sharing). What is a peer-to-peer network? Communication in it is carried out not by means of any separately allocated communication channel, but by the same channels, over which the Internet is served. This is a virtual network, which combines users to share files or some other data. Special programs are used to access and use the network.