Introduction type of networking
Computer networking is convenient in situations, where you need to share different resources, files, or applications between computers. Networking can be as simple as connecting two computers or as complicated as connecting multiple computers and devices. Networking enhances person-to-person communication by sharing resources, such as files and printers. Generally, networks are divided on the basis of their geographical areas and on this basis there are Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN). LAN covers the smallest area, such as schools and colleges. MAN covers an area that is larger than the area covered by LAN, such as two cities. WAN covers the largest area, such as two countries. Since these networks are quite large, the data transfer occurs at higher rate. Therefore, the probability of data collisions persists. This data collision is managed during the data transfer with a set of protocols, such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA /CD). In this chapter, you learn about the LAN, wherein you learn about the LAN technology such as Ethernet, token ring, token bus, and FDDI. In addition, you learn about the MAN and WAN. Towards the end of the chapter, you learn about CSMA/CD.
