LAN, WAN and MAN...all sound like jargon...which is what they are. These are different types of computer networks and something each one of us should be aware of.

First of lets start by discussing what a computer network is. As defined by Wikipedia: " A computer network is two or more computers connected together using a telecommunication system for the purpose of communication and sharing resources". Ask any computer network expert to simplify this definition to you and you will start a debate on how it should not be just two computers but three. This argument is best left alone.

Simply put a network is a means of communication between computers. Within a given network, computers can send files, emails and other correspondence to each other. Even things like instant messaging, is set up within a computer’s network. These days we take these basic things for granted, but intense network designing has gone into it.

Types of Computer Network

There are two basic types of computer Networks:

·   LAN: LAN or Local Area Network is the most common kind of network set up. There are two ways to connect a LAN network. The simplest and easiest way is the peer-to-peer connection network. This is when two or more computers are directly connected to each other. For example if there were four computers in the network, computer 1 would be connected to computer 2, computer 2 would be connected to computer 3 and computer 3 would be connected to computer 4. This means each computer is dependent on the other. And if there were a network problem with any one computer, all of them would be affected. The other type if the client server connection. This is the type of connection where all the computers in a given network are connected to one central computer. This is a more complicated network but one that is much more efficient that peer-to-peer.

·   WAN: WAN or Wide Area Network is when several LANs or independent computers are connected to a single, wider network. The Internet is the perfect example of WAN. Emails, Chat Rooms and IMs all connect to the WAN of the Internet. WAN is much more complex and requires connecting devices or hubs from all over the world.

Computer Networking Design Tips

Networks and network servers need to be designed according to the requirement of the organization. Here are some tips for Computer networking design:

·   Server Processor: the processor is to the network what the heart is to the body. It is what processes all the activities of the network. Pentium Processors are superior processors for use in network designing.

·   Hard Disk: Hard disks are where all the data is stored permanently. While selecting a hard disk for a network, consider the Smart Monitoring and Reporting Technology, as this is what will be monitoring the hard drives. Provide the network with a hot swap disk drive that can replace the faulty hard disk.

·   Clustering: This is an environment created on the network when two or more servers operate as a single server. This is so as to encourage performance, reliability and load balancing.

·   Memory Performance: while you are selecting the memory for the network in progress consider Error Correcting Code technology, this fixes and repairs errors of single and multi bit varieties.

·   Power Supply: there is a need for multi-power supply while designing a network. This is done so that in the case of failure of one source of power supply there is always another available.

·   UPS: there is a need for UPS or Uninterrupted power supply for networks so as to balance any sudden jerks in electricity that can cause damage to the network and server.

·   Cooling fans: every server set up in the network needs a cooling system and this is what the cooling fans do inside the server.

·   Computer Monitoring Hardware: this is a designed adapter that monitors the performance of the various parts of the hardware of the computer.

·   Computer Monitoring Software: there are thousands of computers monitoring software available in the market to monitor the performance of the server and the other computers in the network.

·   Data Server Location: the network server needs to be placed in an environment that is dust-free, has a capacity for cooling and should be clean. And this location should be accessible to authorized personnel.