TYPES OF NETWORKS
MAINFRAME
Mainframe computers are typically large, metal boxed computers with large processing abilities. The terminals are called "dumb terminals" because they only send and receive data, leaving the processing to the mainframe.
CLIENTS
The client/server refers to the way two computer programs interact with each other. The client makes a request from the server, who then fulfills the request. Although this idea can be used on one computer it is an efficient way for a network of computers in different locations to interconnect.
LAN
LAN stands for Local Area Network. The first LANs were created in the late 1970s. LANs are small networks constricted to a small area, like a city. LANs are used to share resources like storage, internet, etc. . .
A 'node' on a LAN is a connected computer or device like a printer.
WAN
A Wide Area Network
WAN stands for Wide Area Network. WANs are very large networks that interconnect smaller LAN networks, for a large geographic area like a country (i. e., any network whose communications link crossmetropolitan, regional, or national boundaries.)
WANs are usually for private companies, however, some built by internet service providers connect LANs to the internet.
- WAN can use a combination of satellites and microwaves, and can link a variety of computers from mainframes to terminals.
A 'node' on a WAN is a LAN.
MAN
When the LANs that you want to connect are not far apart, just blocks away, then you can make a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). The main difference between a WAN and a MAN network is the speed of the connection. Because the LANs are so close in a MAN, high speed fiberoptic cables are affordable.
PAN
Personal Area Network: a network on you. Usually, uses short rangewireless technology is used to connect devises like a cell phone and a PDA.
HAN
Home Area Network: uses cable, wired, or wireless connections to connect a homes' digital devices. For example, fax machines, computers, DVD's etc.
GAN
A similar system such as HAN would be GAN which stands for Garden Area Network, and allows for one system to control such devices like garden lights, sprinkler systems and alarm systems.
