Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies.
Types of networking.
There are several types of networks, including:
Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school, usually using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN spans a large geographical area, connecting LANs over long distances, often using leased lines, satellites, or internet connections.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically serving a city or metropolitan area. It may connect multiple LANs and WANs.
Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a small network used for communication among personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, typically using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN creates a secure connection over a public network, such as the internet, enabling users to access a private network remotely as if they were directly connected to it.
Wireless LAN (WLAN): A WLAN uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices within a limited area, similar to a LAN but without the need for physical cables.
Campus Area Network (CAN): A CAN interconnects LANs and WANs within a specific geographic area, such as a university campus or corporate headquarters.
These are some of the most common types of networks, each serving different purposes and covering various scales of connectivity.