Network technology in English allows the digital exchange of data between different nodes. A node is a point of connection, union or interaction of several elements. For example, when multiple computers are connect, each computer is a node. When it is an internet connection, each internet server is a node.
The connection of network technology can be both so that data can be transmitted and facilitate access to data in software, servers, databases, printers, etc. Therefore, thanks to this technology, a person can send messages Microsoft Office documents by e-mail, videos, etc., from one device to another.
Therefore today, the people who manage networking technologies are known as network technicians. Network technicians are answerable for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network technology.
Table of Contents
Types of Network Technology
Over time, the diversity within types of networking technology has grown exponentially. This technology can be classified based on scale (also known as dispersion, scaling technology in English); or on its transmission ( transmission technology ). A network can be seen from both classifications since the classification is base on the point of view. For example, a LAN network can also be classified as a point-to-point network.
Scale-Based Networking Technology
Scale-base networking technology is also known as dispersion-base networking. It is known as scale or dispersion because it refers to the distance at which the different nodes or networks it connects are locate. Within this classification are the following types:
Personal Area Network (Pan)
A personal area network ( PAN ) is a network of utility nodes for a single person. The maximum distance between nodes is usually 1 meter. An example of this type of network would be the connection of a computer with its mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.
Local Area Network (Lan)
A local area network ( Local Area Network, LAN) is a network of hardware nodes connect. The distance between the nodes is from 10 to 100 meters. The most common form of LAN is with a connection via Ethernet cable.
Wide Area Network (Wan)
A vast area network ( WAN ) is use to link LANs. The networks to be connect are far apart in this case. The distance between the nodes can be from 100 to 1000 kilometers. For this reason, we can find WAN networks that include connections between different municipality departments and others that serve as a base station connected to control a national 5G network.
Metropolitan Area Network (Man)
A metropolitan area network ( MAN ) works as a WAN for a specific geographic area. A MAN network connects several LAN networks in a particular site. Therefore, the distance of the MAN network will be greater than the LAN but less than the WAN. The WAN can span multiple metropolitan areas and even countries, and the MAN can travel only one. An example of MAN is the connections of cable channels or the broadband of telecommunication companies.
Global Area Network (Gan)
The Global Area Network (GAN) is use to link WANs. As the name itself indicates, the distance covered by this type of network is global. In this way, a company that operates internationally can connect several WAN networks. GAN networks can work by grouping the submarine fiber cables of the WAN networks that connector through a satellite connection.
Virtual Private Network (Vpn)
The virtual private network ( Virtual Private Network, VPN) allows a secure extension of a physical network (either LAN, WAN, MAN or GAN) through a public or shared network. The most common way to set up this extension is using the internet. Extending a network allows users to send and receive data over share or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connect to the company’s private network. For example, thanks to this type of network, an employee of a company that uses software hosted locally can telecommute since it is as if the employee were from his office computer.
Broadcast Based Networking Technology
This classification focuses on the way information is transmit between nodes. This classification is divide into two groups:
The Multipoint Connection
In a multipoint connection, the different nodes of the network are connect to a shared medium. In this case, the source information is transmit to the share medium reaching all node it can only be understood by the destination node.
Point to Point Connection
In a point-to-point connection, the different nodes in the network are directly connect. In some cases, this type of connection requires intermediate nodes so that the information can be routed to the destination node.
Network Topology
The topology of a network is how the connection of the different nodes of a network is arrang. The most common forms are:
Bus ( bus network ): This is a multipoint connection. The different nodes connect to a standard linear point known as a bus, backbone or trunk.
Mesh ( mesh network ): In this connection, all the nodes are connect, which means there is no interruption in the communication between them.
Ring ( ring network ): In this connection, each node connects to two other nodes, thus forming a “ring” that functions as a single continuous path.
Attention: Sometimes, a double ring topology is foun. That means there is a second redundant ring connecting the same devices. In addition, it increases reliability since the network stops working with a single call if a node goes down.
Token ring ( token-ring network ): In this connection, the nodes are connect as in the ring topology and use a 3-byte frame which travels the ring and is known as a token. This token helps to check if the nodes want to send information.
Conclusion
Network Technology involves using data systems to manage and deliver digital resources over a computer network. Various industries use computer hardware and also system software that maintains a network, creating a need for specialists to work with them.
Also Read: What is Social Media Management? – Importance, and More