Types of Computer Networking ! Chapter 1

 In the introductory part of this book we actually described what we  mean when we talk about computer networks. We also looked at the 

 different components required for a computer network. We looked at bridges and topologies, all essential elements of computer networks. It is a vast network of devices that facilitates communication. 

 These links are also classified and the classes are selected based on 

  size, distance and structure.We'll discuss these different  types of networks individually and what each means. Sit down, drink your cup of 

 coffee near you and enjoy. 

 Local Area Network (LAN) 

 You must have heard about it somewhere, and if not, you have been informed about it. Local area networks are simply a connection of computer  systems and devices that cover a small area. Most commonly, you'll see a LAN connected  across a room, building, or group of buildings. 

 Beyond the small connection range, a LAN can be connected to another 

 using telephone lines and radio waves.However, once this connection is established, 

 removes the Local Network moniker. Coverage of the “vast 

 computer network.” This is the main difference between a LAN and a WAN 

. A WAN extends over a longer distance and consists of  more than one local network. 

  LAN Node 

 Do not confuse LAN and  WAN. A local network is simply a 

 connection between workstations and PCs.In a 

 LAN, each node (i.e. computer) has a processor. This processor is  then used to execute programs and  also has the advanced function of  accessing data and devices in other parts of the network. Using the  

 local computer network, tools and data can be shared seamlessly. Imagine a 

 scenario where you have multiple computers in your company, but as a 

 startup you cannot afford to purchase more than one color printer. With LAN 

  you can share your color printer with all your computers.

  users can also communicate with each other via LAN. LAN 

 allows users to participate in chat sessions or send emails. You must have seen it in high school movies where a boy sends a message to a girl through the school's 

 computer during a  computer practice session. This is a working LAN 

. 

 Over a local area network, data can be transmitted at the speed of light, much faster than  data that can be transmitted over telephone lines.The LAN is fast, there is no doubt about it, but  know that it depends on the distance, we are talking about 

. Another factor that can affect this speed is the number of  

 computers present on the LAN.

Types of a Local Area Network

Local Area Networks are of frequent use, but the Ethernet is the most

popular one. The Macintosh Computers by Apple have an AppleTalk

Network System built into them. This creates the Apple Macintosh

Networks.

As a statement of fact, LAN differs, and this difference is based on these

characteristics.

Topology: This has been described earlier as the way devices on

a network are arranged. The various systems are explicitly

defined in the introductory part of this book. 

Protocols: We would get more in-depth about protocols in the

latter part of this book. They are the set of rules and encoding

specifications that are followed for the transfer of data. These

protocols are designed to determine whether a network makes

use of the peer-to-peer or client/server architecture. The peer-topeer and client/server architectures are also further explained in

this text.

Media: This refers to the medium in which the devices are being

connected. Twisted-pair wires, coaxial cables, or fiber optic

cables can be used. However, you should note that some Local

Area Network no longer makes use of the cables, but make use

of radio waves.

Deploying a Wireless LAN

Implementing Wireless networks nowadays is as easy as cheese. It

completely topples the need to use wires across distances. In deploying

wireless technology, the very first thing you need to do is to confirm that

the standard of wireless networking you want. You don't want to choose any

standard, as this it must be able to support your network access points,

routers and the wireless network interface cards to be used for your

computers and network resources.

Wide Area Network (WAN) 

 This is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network  

  that enables the connection between two or more local area networks 

  (LAN). Remember that a local network is simply a connection of computers over a relatively short distance. However, a WAN is a larger 

 network. A perfect example would be a company with  

 headquarters and other branch offices, as well as numerous other related facilities. WAN 

  is the connection between the various LANs that are set up at each of these locations.The 

  connection between different local networks is supported through the use of a 

 router or  gateway device. The WAN is most commonly used in enterprises and enables centralized 

 applications, services and other  resources. The 

 WAN structure eliminates the need to install 

 application servers at different company locations. 

 Unlike a LAN, a WAN is not limited to a specific location. In fact, the WAN is located on a local network, which can be individually located in 

 different locations, regardless of  distance.The 

  Virtual Private Network provides WAN connectivity and security. 

 There are different types of VPNs and they are all used in 

 different  situations.  IPsec VPN is  commonly used for site-to-site 

 connections. For example, between the 

 branch office and headquarters. The 

 SSL VPN is the most commonly used as it allows  remote access to 

 individual users.This is possible if the 

Types of WAN connections – and how they work.

The wan connection can either be wired or wireless. On the wired WAN

service, you can find the multiprotocol label switching, T 1s, Carrier

Ethernet, and commercial broadband internet links. On the other hand, the

wireless WAN can feature the 4G LTE, the 5G, public Wi-Fi, and the

satellite networks.

For most enterprises out there, the wired network connection is still the

most preferred. However, thanks to the 4G and the 5G, the wireless

connection is gaining traction, and it is only a matter of time before the

wired connections are out of date.

The infrastructure needed to run the WAN framework can be privately

owned, and a third party can provide the service. Third parties like

telecommunication carrier, internet service provider, private IP network

operator, and cable provision companies. Either a complete owner or shared

ownership is possible to operate the Wide Area Network. For the hybrid

WAN frameworks, there is a combination of both private and public

network services.

For ease of use and deployment on the part of the enterprises, the Softwaredefined WAN (SD-WAN) are being designed. With this framework on the

ground, enterprises can quickly deploy, operate, and manage their systems.

Two primary functions can be performed by the software platforms or

customer premises equipment (CPE). These functions are thanks to the

combination of virtualization, on-site SD-WAN devices, network overlays,

and application-level policies. These functions are;

The aggregation of multiple private and public WAN links

The automatic selection of the most optimal route for traffic,

which is based on prevalent conditions.

For the second function to be achieved, network managers have been

required to manually reconfigure their networks, when they wish to reroute

the traffic to multiple routes.

WAN Optimization

Performance in a Wide Area Network can receive a big blow, mainly

caused by latency and bandwidth constraint. To combat this, there are WAN

optimization devices created. These devices have several techniques with

which they work. These techniques are; deduplication, compression,

protocol optimization, local caching, and traffic shaping.

Also, with the SD-WAN or CPE platforms, you get a higher level of

performance control. These work by providing lower-cost bandwidth

connections. This is achieved in the form of the commercial mode of

connection to the internet. Reliability is also ensured thanks to traffic

shaping and tools designed to maintain quality of service.

WAN Security

Security in the WAN framework needs to be localized. It should be

expanded to where the end-users are located. Even if they make use of the

network from their home. If you are going to make use of the WAN

network, you need to make use of firewall and antivirus software. With

these, you can prevent unauthorized access or hacks by other persons or

devices.

VPN is a system that allows for connection to a WAN, but it also provides

an added layer of encryption, which can lead to anonymity. It is best to

connect to a WAN with the use of a VPN. Irrespective of where the

connection is being made, the use of CPN is essential. Security needs to be

beefed in enterprises, especially if you are involved in one. Remember that

sometimes ago, a hacker got into Microsoft systems by gaining access to an

employee’s home computer. This way, he was able to follow the VPN back

to the Microsoft HQ

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Wide Area Network

WAN is the best way to go for large enterprises and systems. There are

several benefits to this network of devices, which include;

- The WAN can reach an extensive geographical location

- It is a centralized infrastructure

- The security detail is more than the local area network

- There is an increased span in bandwidth

The downsides include;

- It is costly to set up this network

- The system is very prone to breach and hacks

- To maintain security on this network, there is the need to spend more

on antivirus software and firewalls.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

The Metropolitan area network is a somewhat more extensive network than

the Local Area Network. This network is more significant than the LAN,

but it is not as comprehensive and broad as the LAN. In most cases, this

involves the interconnection of networks within a city, which also provides

an internet connection. 

Factors that distinguish the Metropolitan Area Network

Several factors set the MAN apart from the other networks.

- The size of the network ranges from 5 to 50 km. This network

represents an area as wide as it is on campus, and it could go as wide

as a whole city – take New York, for example. 

- The rate of data transmission is somewhat fast.

- In most cases, a user can own a MAN, and a network provider can

also hold it. The network provider, in turn, sells services to users. This

is unlike the practice in LAN, where the service is to one organization

- With the MAN< sharing regional resources is also possible.

Efficiency and speed are the main features of the Metropolitan Area

Networks. They make use of the fiber optic cables. This network system is

ideal for many users, as it is a medium-sized network. When speed is

prioritized in the connection to be built, this is the ideal network to be

adapted for use.