A computer network is a collection of computers for the purpose of information exchange. This exchange of information is made possible through network media such as cables. Networks can be either wired or wireless.
Computer networks differ in size, as well as the kind of data that is shared across the network.
Networks are classified into 3 main categories, namely:
Local Area Network (LAN): This kind of network is usually set up in a small geographic area; usually covering a small room or up to a single building. A good example of a Local Area Network is a home network set up to provide basic file sharing between users, as well as basic internet connectivity.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): This kind of network covers a much larger geographic area than a LAN. Such networks are usually city or nation wide, and connects multiple network devices in different locations. A good example of a Metropolitan Area Network is a network that services say, a bank with branch offices across various states of a country.
Wide Area Network (WAN): This is the largest of the three classifications of computer networks. There is virtually no limit to how large a WAN can be, as it connects networks across countries and contents. The internet is the largest Wide Area Network in existence.
Your knowledge of what a computer network is, as well as its classifications, will help you to better understand other concepts that will be touched in subsequent posts.
Welcome on board.
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