A computer network may be defined as the coordination or interconnection of a number of individual computers. A computer network is basically established by the network layer in the Open Systems Infrastructure model, popularly known as the OSI model. Computer networks can be classified by means of a lot of types like the network size, structure, mode of connectivity, topology and others. Some of them are.
Considering the size of the implemented network, Computer networks are classified into 3 main divisions namely Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). .
Clasifications of computer network :
LAN: - A network of computers which cover only a small area like an office or a building can be referred to as a Local Area Network. All the individual computers must have a common protocol layer for their connectivity with the basic functionality taking place at the network layer. In general, LANs are based on Ethernet technology.
WAN: Wide Area Network is basically an extension of the Local Area Network except for the fact that the size of the network extends to a very large area. The major functionality of the WAN networks take place at the 3 lower layers of the OSI model namely network layer, data link layer and the physical layer.
MAN: Metropolitan Area network is a combination of two or more individual Local Area Networks but with a small criterion of the boundary of the network not exceeding the city limits, thus integrating the network as a single unit within a city.
