What is a computer network though? Computer network is a set of computers, printers and other tools that connect each other to share information and moving data through cables. Many users can print with the same printers or use the same software at the same time. A computer that stores the main data and plays role as data center is called Server while computers that are connected to network and take data from Server are called Workstations.
Various of Networks
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
A network that is limited by small area is commonly used by a small office in a building or school. Usually it is not far from 1 km square. Most LAN uses cables and LAN cards to connect one computer to another. Each computer connected to LAN has a different Internet Protocol Address. It is usually abbreviated as IP Address. LAN can also be set up through Wireless Technology which has speed from 10 to 10.000 Mbps. Wireless LAN can use infrared or radio frequency.
The advantages of LAN
a. Sharing files and printers is easy to do among computers.
b. The risk of losing the data caused by viruses can be reduced.
c. If there is one computer connected to modem, all of computers can access the internet.
d. There is much space in storage system (hard disk) to store documents.
e. Files stored in server can be accessed by client computers with an authorization. The authorization can be made according to company's structure organization.
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
This kind of network usually has a bigger area than LAN or it can contain a network of some LAN that are connected one to another. The example of MAN is a network that is built in a wide complex of campus.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a kind of network that is usually built through satellite or submarine cable technology. The example of WAN is a Bank network in a capital that can share information with a region bank network. They can also hold a meeting with video conference through Internet.
The advantages of WAN:
a. We can send files or documents through electronic mail (email) instead of sending documents manually through post office.
b. A network Server in Headquarter can be a data bank from branch office.
c. The data of a company can be updated everyday according to necessity.