One element to be taken into account when we want to install a computer network in our business is the scope or coverage area. Can I add a personal area network , or necessarily suits me more of a LAN or local network ? What types of computer networks exist according to scope?
In principle, it is logical that most small businesses can work seamlessly with a local network . However, in the case of companies with large facilities, further expansion may be necessary if we are talking about a large area of coverage. In this article we will explain to you what types of networks can be installed.
What types of computer networks are there according to their scope
Whatever may be done by structured cable, or wirelessly, networks can be divided by their reach or coverage. Logically, the larger the space we want to cover, the more difficult and costly the installation of cables (in fact, the installation of some of these networks would be absurd and unthinkable for a large majority of companies). In any case, they are the following:
1. PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)
We speak of a computer network of a few meters , something like the distance you need the Bluetooth phone to exchange data. They are the most basic and serve for small spaces, for example if you work in a single-storey with a couple of computers.
The PAN networks may find useful if you are connecting a few devices that are not very far apart. The most common option, however, to increase the radius of coverage and to avoid the installation of structured wiring, is usually the purchase of a router and the installation of a wireless local area network.
2. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN).
It is the one we all know and the one usually installed in most companies, whether it is a complete building or a local. It connects computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers and many other peripherals to each other so you can exchange data and orders from different office nodes.
LANs can range from 200 meters to 1 kilometer coverage .
3. CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN).
Okay, suppose we have several buildings in which we want to set up a wireless network . What if the coverage area should be greater than 1000 square meters? And I do not say it just for the universities; The facilities of the technological parks, fairgrounds and commercial ships can perfectly surpass that surface.
In this case, we have the CAN networks . There would be several local area networks installed in specific areas, but all of them would be interconnected, so that data could be exchanged quickly, or there could be Internet connection throughout the campus.
4. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
Much larger than the previous ones, they cover much larger metropolitan spaces. They are typically used when the government decided to create Wifi areas in large spaces . It is also the entire cable infrastructure of a telecommunications operator for the deployment of fiber optic networks . A MAN network usually connects the various LANs in a space of about 50 kilometers.
5. WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
They are those companies often deploy Internet providers to meet the needs of networking in a very wide area, such as a city or country.6. STORAGE AREA NETWORK (SAN)
It is a home network for companies working with servers and do not want to lose performance in user traffic as they handle a huge amount of data. Technology companies often use it a lot. Cisco will have the advantages of a SAN .
7. VIRTUAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK (VLAN)
The networks we talk about usually connect physically. The VLANs are linked logically (through protocols, ports, etc.), reducing network traffic and improving safety. If a company has several departments and you want them to work with a separate network, the VLAN.
I hope that this will have a slightly clearer picture of the different networks according to their scope . If you want to know more, you can see the article "Types of computer networks by topology" . The most logical thing about an SME is that it simply needs a LAN, but for larger cases or if the networks are to operate separately, it is good to know that there are other possibilities.
How far does the computer network in your home or business? Does it reach all points of the building, or are there places where there is no way to connect?
0 comments:
Post a Comment