Networks

Networks

In this blog post I will be explaining all the different networks and I will be giving examples of those networks. The three types of networks I will be explaining are WAN (Wide Area Networks), LAN (Local Area Networks) and Wireless.

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a large network that normally covers a wide area. WAN’s are normally built up of two or more LAN’s. Figure one is an example of how a WAN works. As you can see there is three LAN’s and they are connected together to create a WAN. The biggest WAN would be the internet as all of the servers are connected together and they serve you information.

Figure one: An example of WAN

A LAN also known as a Local Area Network is like a WAN but it covers a smaller area. LAN’s can cover up to a city if the server is powerful enough. LAN’s are generally used in a workplace or in a college. A LAN could be only two computers that are connected together with a cable or it could be a college. Figure two shows how a LAN works. As you can see there is a server and seven computers connected to each other.

Figure two: An example of LAN

A wireless network is a way of connecting to the internet wirelessly with a device such as a wireless router. Wireless networks are cheaper to use compared to a wired network because you will need to buy different cables for connecting. Wireless is normally used to connect smart phones or laptops. Smart phones do not have Ethernet cables so they have to be connected wirelessly.

References

Anderson, K. Atkinson-Beaumont, D.Kaye, A. Lawson, J. McGill, R. Phillips, J and Richardson, D., 2011. Information Technology Level 3 Book 2 BTEC National. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

Images

Figure one: BBC (2015) WAN example [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/17d1c375cab9c86e64c0b5987e1d6fc5109739c3.gif [Accessed on: 20/01/15]

Figure two: BBC (2015) LAN example [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/30dd6ccf1df35e81482db0b2e1f3f62edd760733.gif  [Accessed on: 20/01/15]