What are the types of computer network?

LAN

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server. Typically, a LAN encompasses computers and peripherals connected to a server within a distinct geographic area such as an office or a commercial establishment. Computers and other mobile devices use a LAN connection to share resources such as a printer or network storage.

A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for example, in a small-office network) or several hundred users in a larger office. LAN networking comprises cables, switches, routers and other components that let users connect to internal servers, websites and other LANs via wide area networks.

WAN

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that exists over a large-scale geographical area. A WAN connects different smaller networks, including local area networks (LANs) and metro area networks (MANs). This ensures that computers and users in one location can communicate with computers and users in other locations. WAN implementation can be done either with the help of the public transmission system or a private network.

MAN

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN). The term MAN is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network. The term is also used to describe the interconnection of several local area networks in a metropolitan area through the use ofpoint-to-point connections between them.^[1][2]

PAN

A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network for interconnecting devices centered on an individual person's workspace. A PAN provides data transmission amongst devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets and personal digital assistants. PANs can be used for communication amongst the personal devices themselves, or for connecting to a higher level network and the Internet (an uplink) where one master device takes up the role as gateway. A PAN may be carried over wired computer buses such as USB.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_area_network
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_area_network
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_area_network

What are the types of network topology?

Network Topology refers to the layout of a networkand how different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate. 

                                                          MESH TOPOLOGY

A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. It is a topology commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.

A mesh topology can be a full mesh topology or a partially connected mesh topology.

In a full mesh topology, every computer in the network has a connection to each of the other computers in that network. The number of connections in this network can be calculated using the following formula (n is the number of computers in the network): n(n-1)/2

In a partially connected mesh topology, at least two of the computers in the network have connections to multiple other computers in that network. It is an inexpensive way to implement redundancy in a network. In the event that one of the primary computers or connections in the network fails, the rest of the network continues to operate normally.

Advantages of a mesh topology

• Can handle high amounts of traffic, because multiple devices can transmit data simultaneously.
• A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network or transmission of data.
• Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.

Disadvantages of a mesh topology

• The cost to implement is higher than other network topologies, making it a less desirable option.
• Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.
• The chance of redundant connections is high, which adds to the high costs and potential for reduced efficiency.                                                                                                                                                HYBRID TOPOLOGY                                   
                                                                                                         A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more differing network topologies. These topologies include a mix of bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, and tree topology.
  

Linear bus topology

Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope

Linear bus topology is a type of network topologyin which each device is connected one after the other in a sequential chain (shown right). In this case, the bus is the network connection between the devices, and if any link in the network chain is severed, all network transmission is halted. It works well for small networks because it is simple to set up and utilizes shorter cables since each device is connected to the next. It is a poor solution for larger networks, however since the entire network relies on each connection, and network speed is reduced as more devices are added.

Star Topology

Updated: 01/24/2018 by Computer Hope

Alternatively referred to as a star network, star topology is one of the most common network setups. In this configuration, everynode connects to a central network device, like a hub, switch, or computer. The central network device acts as a server and the peripheral devices act as clients. Depending on the type ofnetwork card used in each computer of the star topology, a coaxial cable or a RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together.

The picture to the right shows how this network setup gets its name, as it is shaped like a star.

Ring topology

Updated: 01/24/2018 by Computer Hope

A ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are referred to as a ring network.

In a ring network, packets of data travel from one device to the next until they reach their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to travel only in one direction, called a unidirectional ring network. Others permit data to move in either direction, called bidirectional.

The major disadvantage of a ring topology is that if any individual connection in the ring is broken, the entire network is affected.

Ring topologies may be used in either local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). Depending on the type of network card used in each computer of the ring topology, acoaxial cable or a RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together.

Additional information

In the past, the ring topology was most commonly used in schools, offices, and smaller buildings where networks were smaller. However, today, the ring topology is seldom used, having been switched to another type of network topology for improved performance, stability, or support.

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/mesh.htm
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/l/linear-bus-topology.htm
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/startopo.htm
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ringtopo.htm