By: Nathan Narvaez

Computer Network

A system that links together electronic office equipment, such as computers and word processors, and forms a network within an office or building.

LAN

Examples of LAN

A communications network that uses such devices as telephone lines, satellite dishes, or radio waves to span a larger geographic area than can be covered by a LAN.

WAN

Examples of WAN

MANA metropolitan area network is a computer network in which two or more computers or communicating devices or networks which are geographically separated but in same metropolitan city and are connected to each other are said to be connected on MAN

Examples of MAN

• Printing can be slow. Where a lot of workstations are served by only one or two printers, long print queues may develop.

• A virus can spread more easily. If a virus gets into one computer, it is likely to spread quickly across the network because it will get into the central backing store.

• As data is shared there is a greater need for security. Users of the network have to have authentication techniques such as user ids and passwords. Unique user ID's control access to the files and settings on the network while passwords prevent unauthorized users from logging onto the network. Data may also have to be encrypted so that it is meaningless if intercepted.

Disadvantages of LANs

• Setting up a network can be an expensive and complicated experience. The bigger the network the more expensive it is.

• Security is a real issue when many different people have the ability to use information from other computers. Protection against hackers and viruses adds more complexity and expense.

• Once set up, maintaining a network is a full-time job which requires network supervisors and technicians to be employed.

• Information may not meet local needs or interests

• Vulnerable to hackers or other outside threats

Disadvantages of WAN

• The key disadvantages of MANs is the cost of cutting edge technology.

• Also the equipment generally has to be installed for the first time, as the copper traditionally used for the phone network is generally considered to be slow to be annexed for this purpose.