Types of Network

Overview: Types of Network

The world of computer networks can indeed be complex, yet it's made simpler when broken down into relatable terms. Networks are basically categorised based on several fundamental characteristics. These characteristics include their geographical spread, the number of users they support, and the general mechanisms they employ to coordinate communication between devices.

So, what network types are you likely to encounter? Here is an overview of the most common ones:

• Personal Area Network (PAN): A network spanning in a very small area usually within a range of 10 meters and used for connecting personal devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles.
• Local Area Network (LAN): Covers a small geographical area such as an office building or a home. It's used to link computer users within local reach.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Spans over a large geographical area, often a country or continent. It is designed to connect different LANs. The internet is the best example of a WAN.

Classifications of Network Types

Besides the fundamental types of networks, there are also several other classifications based on various other factors such as topology, architecture and protocols used. Let's explore them:

Based on Topology

Topology essentially refers to the layout pattern of the network devices on a network. It can be thought of as the virtual shape or structure of the network. This is greatly influenced by various factors such as the objectives of the network, cost and expected traffic flow.

• Star:
• Bus: All nodes are connected to a common medium along this medium. This medium acts as a backbone for the network.
• Ring: Each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring. Data travel from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.
• Mesh: Every node has a connection to every other node in the network. There are two types of mesh topologies: full mesh and partial mesh.

Based on Architecture

Network Architecture designates how your network is physically and logically arranged and includes a broad scope of elements like network components, services, protocols, and infrastructure.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P): In this type of network, all computers have equal status; there are no 'clients' or 'servers'. As a result, it is quite simple and good for smaller networks.
• Client/Server: On such a network one machine is acting as the server, providing data and services that are used by the clients.

Finally, it should be underscored that each type of network comes with its own advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases. Therefore, understanding the types of networks is vital to making informed decisions when planning, developing, or expanding a network.

Exploring Types of Network Topology

In the realm of computer networking, topology plays a crucial rule. The topology of a network refers to the arrangement or structure of a network, including its nodes and connecting links. Depending on the arrangement, we can classify network topology into several types. Each type brings its unique advantages and challenges to network management and performance.

Popular Network Topologies in Computer Science

When it comes to structuring a network, certain topologies have gained prominence due to their efficiency, flexibility, or simplicity. Let's delve deep into some of the most popular network topologies that you will likely encounter in the field of computer science:

• Star Topology: In a Star network, all nodes are connected to a central node, known as the hub. The hub acts as a signal repeater, as it receives a signal from one connection and forwards it to all of its other connections.
• Bus Topology: In a Bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable, called the bus. Data transmitted from any device travels the length of the bus until it reaches its intended recipient.
• Ring Topology: A Ring network connects adjacent nodes until they form a ring. Data travels from one node to another in a circular direction, either clockwise or anticlockwise, till it reaches the destination device.
• Mesh Topology: In a Mesh network, every device is connected to every other device on the network, making it hugely reliable but complex to manage.
• Tree Topology: In a Tree Topology, there is a root node to which all other nodes connect, forming a hierarchy that resembles a tree. This topology is used in wide area networks (WAN), where scalability is essential.

Comparing Different Network Topologies

Each type of network topology comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. These can greatly influence the performance, cost, and reliability of your network. Let's compare these topologies based on some key factors:

Categories of Computer Networks: A Deep Dive

Computer networks, which facilitate the connections between different computing devices, can be categorised into many types. Each category has its unique set of features, usage areas, and benefits. Albeit, all perform the fundamental task of facilitating communication and data exchange in various formats such as voice, video, and text.

Primary Categories of Computer Networks

The categorisation of computer networks is based on a variety of factors, including scale, connection method, and their functional relationships. Here, we focus on the primary categories, each determined primarily by its size and coverage area.

• Personal Area Network (PAN): A network type that involves a connection of devices focused around an individual person's workspace. Typically, this can connect devices such as a computer, telephone, printer and fax machine. With the advent of wireless technology, the connections within a PAN can now be via Bluetooth or infrared connections.
• Local Area Network (LAN): This type of network covers a small area such as a home, office or group of buildings, allowing connected devices within this small geographic area to communicate with each other. It is often managed by a single organisation. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the most commonly used technology standards for LAN.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Geographically, a MAN is larger than a LAN, as it covers a whole town or city. Institutions use this type of network to connect their LANs together to create a network spanning over the broader area.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans over a significant geographical area. A WAN connects LANs and other types of networks together, enabling devices and users in one location to communicate with devices and users in different locations. The internet is the most prominent example of a WAN.

These categories primarily speak to the physical scope of the network. Regardless of the category, however, crucial considerations for any computer network design are the desired performance, security provisions, and cost.

Understanding Network Categories: Uses and Applications

It's crucial to understand that network categories aren't a mere academic exercise. Each category is designed to thrive in certain applications over others, thanks to its unique features. Let's delve into some notable uses and applications for these network categories:

• PAN: A PAN is largely designed for personal use and tends to connect devices that are located in close proximity. For instance, you might have a PAN at home that connects your computer, smartphone, and smart home devices, such as thermostats, smart speakers, and lighting systems.
• LAN: A LAN's most prominent application is in like-sized setups, such as small businesses, schools, and homes, where devices need to share resources like file servers, printers and internet connectivity. LANs are also common in buildings and rooms where users need to share data quickly.
• MAN: MANs typically find usage in a city-wide connectivity scenario, linking a number of local sites across a town or city. This could be useful for a local government body that needs to connect its various departments spread across the town for efficient sharing of data and resources.
• WAN: WANs are used for large-scale, geographically diverse connectivity. Corporate organisations often employ WANs to interconnect their offices in different geographical areas. In addition, global learning and research institutions often use WANs to connect their students, staff, and faculty, regardless of where they are around the globe.

As computing power increases, and technology continues to advance, these categories of computer networks might eventually blur. Regardless, their core principles will remain valid to guide the structure and function of networks depending on their needs and constraints.

An Introduction to Computer Network Models

In computer science, a network model provides an abstract representation of how network protocols and equipment work together to secure, send, and receive data. So, understanding these models allows you to comprehend and diagnose networking problems more effectively. The most common and widely used are the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) model and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model.

Overview of Network Models in Computer Science

Critical to any exploration of networking is understanding the fundamental models that guide the development, implementation, and troubleshooting of modern networks. Indeed, these models serve to break down the complex networking environment into layered stages to facilitate robust, reliable, and interoperable system of networks.

Two principal models have dominated the networking landscape. These are:

• The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model: This is a theoretical model crafted to understand and describe how different network protocols interact and work together to provide network services. It's broken down into seven layers, with each layer having a specific function in the networking process.
• The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Model: This model is based on standard protocols that are used in the internet and can be effectively used to determine how data can be exchanged over the internet. This model consists of four funtional layers.

Analysing Different Computer Network Models

Delving deeper into the world of computer network models, we can analyse each of these models, dissecting their different layers, functions, and the role they play in data transfer.

The OSI Model

The OSI model is composed of seven layers, each responsible for a particular subtask during message transmission. As a packet of data travels from its source to its destination, it travels down the layers on the source device, across the network, and then up the layers on the destination device. Here's a breakdown of these seven layers and their functions:

• Layer 7 — Application: This layer involves the network process to application communication. It is responsible for network services to application programs.
• Layer 6 — Presentation: Involved in application to other forms of communication. It handles data encryption, decryption, compression and translation services.
• Layer 5 — Session: Responsible for the control of connections between computers by establishing, managing and terminating communication sessions.
• Layer 4 — Transport: Managing the delivery and error checking of data packets. This layer can be either connection-oriented or connection-less.
• Layer 3 — Network: Handles routing and transferring data between two nodes within a network also takes care of fragmentation and error checking.
• Layer 2 — Data Link: Concerned with the transfer of data across the physical link in a network. Defining protocols for the device drivers to control the Network Interface Card (NIC).
• Layer 1 — Physical: The actual connection between the devices and the medium of connection (cables). It decides the data rate and physical connection.

The TCP/IP Model

The TCP/IP model is a more compact model with only four layers, each analogous to a certain function or group of functions in the OSI model. Here's a brief look at the TCP/IP Model's layers and their functions:

• Application Layer: This layer prepares the human-computer interface. The process of sending data begins in this layer.
• Transport Layer: Responsible for providing transparent transfer of data between users. It also provides reliable data transfer and multiplexing.
• Internet Layer: This layer packages data into IP datagrams, which contain source and destination address information that is used to forward the datagrams between hosts and across networks. Also handles routing of the datagrams.
• Network Access Layer: Concerned with all the hardware, physical, and data link aspects of the network.

Ultimately, understanding these models and their functions fosters a better understanding of how networks operate, aiding successful network designing, implementing and troubleshooting.

Computer Network Architectures: An In-depth Analysis

A computer network architecture describes the design and structure of a computer network. It outlines how computers are organised in the network, how tasks are allocated, and how information is sent and received. The architecture typically governs the data transmission methods, network configurations, and the types of network equipment used.

Understanding Network Architectures

When seeking to establish any form of computer communication, it's important to lay out an appropriate architecture. These architectures aid in establishing protocols that control errors, define the setup, perform traffic control, and define information sequencing. Network architectures essentially set the rules in the design, description, and selection of network protocols and infrastructure.

Various architectural models have been established. Nevertheless, the traditional architectures that are still referenced include:

• The OSI Model: A seven-layered model offering universal standards for all computer platforms to enable communication. Each layer offers specific functionality and coherently works with the other layers to enable communication.
• The TCP/IP Model: A four-layered model that forms the basis of the modern internet. The model is less structured but widens the flexibility of the network, enabling various choices of methods and protocols at each level.

Continued advancements have resulted in the development of hybrid architectures and frameworks to meet specific communication needs, increase security, and enhance network performance and reliability.

The Evolution of Computer Network Architectures

The concept of computer networks dates back to the 1960s and has significantly evolved over time, progressing from mainframes and terminals all the way to modern network architectures.

Early networks were localised, characterised by time-sharing systems where multiple terminals were connected to a single powerful computer, the mainframe. However, these systems emphasised centralisation, with the majority of the processing done in the mainframe.

The introduction of low-cost and powerful microprocessors was the turning point in the evolution of network architectures. This launch provided a decentralised structure leading to a layered network approach with the creation of the OSI model. Subsequently, the dominance of the Internet gave rise to the TCP/IP networking model, leading to a significant leap in the computer networking landscape and forming the basis for the current Internet.

The turn of the century saw the advent of wireless networking technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, leading to the creation of new architectures like wireless LANs and PANs. Furthermore, the increase in Internet devices led to the Internet of Things (IoT) trend, resulting in the need for more complex network architectures to manage a myriad of connected devices.

Comparison of Various Network Architectures

There are several key criteria for comparing network architectures, including scalability, performance, security, reliability, and the type of services they support. Let's compare the two most common network architectures: OSI model and TCP/IP model.

In summary, the concept of network architecture plays an inevitable role in designing and implementing effective computer networks. By providing a structured framework, network architectures facilitate organised and systematic communication, resulting in higher efficiency and less complexity.