What is network?

A network is a collection of computers connected to each other. When the number of computers are interlinked with each other through the main server is known as network. The network allows computers to communicate with each other and share resources and information among the connected computers.

Computers on a network are sometimes called Nodes.

Computers and devices that allocate resources for a network are called Servers.

Types of Network
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1. Local-Area Networks (LANs) : The computers are geographically together in the same premises (that is, in the same building).

2. Wide-Area Networks (WANs) : The computers are not located in the same area, set wide apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves.

3. Campus-Area Networks (CANs): The computers are within a limited geographical area, such as a campus or military base.

4. Metropolitan-Area Networks (MANs): A data network designed for a town or city.

5. Home-Area Networks (HANs): A network contained within a user’s home that connects a person’s digital devices.

6. Global Area Networks (GANs): GAN is a model for supporting mobile communications across an arbitrary number of wireless LANs, satellite coverage areas, etc.

7. Virtual Private Network ( VPNs ) : A computer network in which some of the links between nodes are carried by open connections or virtual circuits in some larger network instead of through physical wires(e.g., the Internet). A VPN allows computer users to appear and edit from an IP address location other than the one which connects the actual computer to the Internet.