- Classification: LAN, WAN, MAN, CAN and PAN, according to scope and use, from personal networks to regional and global interconnections.
- Security and maintenance: firewalls, intrusion detection, patching, antivirus, and backups to protect data and prevent vulnerabilities.
- Efficient management: plan the architecture, document configurations, segment with VLANs, and monitor traffic and users for performance and control.
Computer networks can be divided into five types. Here we will look at each type of network and give examples of networks of this type that are in use today; for more context, see What are computer networks ? Finally, we will give tips for properly managing the different types of networks.
Computer networks types and examples
LAN
A LAN (local area network) is a network of computers that share data and resources. A LAN can be small, with just two or three desktop computers in your office, or large, with hundreds or even thousands of workstations spread across several buildings.
LANs can be wired or wireless networks, but in both cases they use cables to connect all the machines to each other, such as Ethernet cable , so that they can share information between them quickly and easily.
WAN
WAN is a wide area network. A WAN spans a wide geographic area and is used to connect remote sites. WANs use leased lines such as T1/E1 circuits, Frame Relay connections, and ISDN BRI lines. These leased lines are typically provided by telecommunications companies that have established private line networks between their own central offices (COs).
MAN
MAN is a network that connects two or more LANs. A MAN can be used to connect different buildings, campuses, or cities. It is used as a backbone network to connect multiple LANs together. Computer networks can be interconnected with each other.
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a data communications network that covers a densely populated area, such as a city or metropolitan region (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona), but is not limited to it. The main objective of building a MAN is to provide high-speed internet access throughout the region using fiber optic cables instead of copper wire networks (e.g., telephone lines).
CAN
The CAN bus is a simple, low-cost network. It uses the same communication protocol as Ethernet, but only allows one master node at a time. This means that there cannot be more than one computer on the network at a time.
The automotive industry uses CAN for its ability to handle large volumes of data while maintaining low latency times (the delay between sending a signal and receiving an acknowledgement). Also, since this type of network has no central server or router, each node acts independently without having to wait for instructions from another device before acting on its own.
PAN
A PAN is a small network that can be used to connect devices. A PAN is usually a single room or building and can consist of multiple computers, phones, printers, and other devices. The term “personal area network” comes from the fact that it is often used to connect non-computer devices, such as smartphones or smart TVs.
Types of computer networks: summary
- LAN (Local Area Network): A LAN is a group of computers connected to each other within a small geographic area. For example, if you have a computer at home and another at the office and both are connected to the same router, they are part of the same LAN.
- WAN (wide area network): A WAN is a group of interconnected computer networks that cover large geographic areas, such as cities or states. The Internet is an example where multiple WANs connect together to form a large global network with millions of hosts.
- MAN (metropolitan area network): A MAN connects buildings within an urban center but not necessarily across cities or states like WANs do; therefore, they typically have fewer hosts than WANs.
Care in Computer Networks
Computer networks are essential to the functioning of any organization today. However, like any system, they require care and security measures to ensure their proper functioning and protect important information and resources.
Below are some of the precautions that must be taken into account in computer networks:
network security
Network security is fundamental to protecting confidential information and preventing potential threats. To achieve this, it is essential to implement security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems , antivirus, and antimalware software. Furthermore, network access policies must be established, and network devices must be protected with strong passwords.
Update and patches
Keeping both software and hardware up to date with the latest updates and security patches is key to preventing vulnerabilities and maintaining network protection through proper IT service management . Updates include bug fixes, performance improvements, and solutions to potential security gaps.
Backups
Performing regular backups is essential to prevent data loss in the event of failures or attacks. Automated backup policies should be established to back up data to a safe and reliable location.
Monitoring and management of traffic in computer networks
Monitoring network traffic is important for detecting any suspicious or abnormal activity. Implementing network monitoring and traffic management tools provides an overview of connected devices, bandwidth usage, and network activity.
Access and password policies
Establishing clear network access policies and strong passwords helps prevent unauthorized access. Strong passwords should be set and changed regularly. Additionally, it is important to educate employees and users on security best practices, such as not sharing passwords and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
Tips for proper administration of computer networks
proper planning
Before implementing a computer network , proper planning is essential. This involves identifying the organization's needs, defining objectives, determining the necessary resources, and designing the network architecture. Good planning helps prevent problems and facilitates long-term network management.
Documentation
It is essential to maintain up-to-date network documentation, including network layout, wiring diagrams, network device configuration, IP addresses, and any other relevant information. This will make network management, troubleshooting, and upgrading easier.
Network Segregation
Proper network segmentation into subnets or VLANs facilitates administration and improves security. Separating different types of devices and services into different network segments helps minimize the risk of potential threats spreading and facilitates resource control and management.
Computer network management: users and permissions
Establishing access policies that define user permissions and privileges on the network is essential to ensuring proper resource use and is typically the responsibility of the network administrator . Implementing role-based and user-based access control, along with establishing strong password policies, contributes to secure management and prevents unauthorized access.
Monitoring and maintenance
Constant network monitoring helps identify and fix potential problems before they impact network performance. Monitoring tools allow you to observe the performance, availability, and security of network devices and resources. In addition, it is important to perform regular device maintenance, software and hardware updates, and security checks.
In short, proper management and maintenance of computer networks are essential to ensure optimal operation, maintain information security and facilitate efficient management of resources.
Conclusion
In this article we have covered the main types of computer networks. There are many more types, but these are some of the most common ones you will encounter when working with computers and networks.
