Types of Networking - SS3 ICT Lesson Note

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Types of Networking:

Local Area Network (LAN): LANs connect devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus. They typically use Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi to facilitate communication. LANs are commonly used for sharing files, printers, and internet access among connected devices.

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Wide Area Network (WAN): WANs cover larger geographic areas and connect LANs across cities, countries, or even continents. The internet is the most extensive WAN, but organizations often establish private WANs using technologies like leased lines, VPNs, or MPLS for secure and reliable data transmission.

Source:(cloudflare.com)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is an intermediate-sized network that covers a city or a large campus. It connects multiple LANs and serves as a high-speed backbone for data exchange. MANs are vital for businesses and institutions that require fast and reliable connectivity within a city.

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Wireless Networks: These networks use radio waves to transmit data without physical cables. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G) are examples of wireless technologies that enable mobile devices and remote connections.

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Client-Server Networking: In this model, one or more central servers provide services and resources to client devices. Clients request data or services from servers, and servers respond to these requests. It's a common architecture for web servers, email servers, and database systems.

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Peer-to-Peer Networking: In peer-to-peer networks, all devices have equal status, and each can act as both a client and a server. This approach is often used for file sharing, where users can directly exchange files without relying on a central server.

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Cloud Networking: Cloud computing relies on network infrastructure to deliver services and store data in remote data centers. Users access these services and data via the internet. Cloud networking includes technologies like Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).

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Social Networking: Beyond traditional data exchange, social networking refers to online platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) that facilitate connections between individuals or groups for social interaction, collaboration, or sharing content.

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Industrial and IoT Networks: These specialized networks connect machines, sensors, and devices in industrial settings or the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. They enable data collection, automation, and remote control in fields like manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities.

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Blockchain Networks: Blockchain technology relies on a decentralized network of nodes that work together to validate and record transactions. It ensures transparency, security, and immutability of data, making it valuable for applications like cryptocurrency and supply chain management.

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These are just a few of the many types of networks that exist today, each designed to meet specific communication and data-sharing needs in various contexts. Networking continues to evolve with advances in technology, driving innovation and connectivity in our increasingly digital world.