Are you confused about which particularly fits into your organization

Sharing resources from one computer to another, creating files and storing them in one computer are Characteristics of a computer network. Accessing those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network, connecting a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and letting other computers of the network use the machines available over network are all what are expected of a typical computer network.

A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range of users. Succinctly, a computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources Networks are commonly categorized based on their characteristic

 

There are many types of networks, including:

• Local Area Networks (LAN)

• Personal Area Networks (PAN)

• Home Area Networks (HAN)

• Wide Area Networks (WAN)

• Campus Networks

• Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

• Enterprise Private Networks

• Internetworks

• Backbone Networks (BBN)

• Global Area Networks (GAN)

• The Internet

 

Are you confused about which particularly fits into your organization? Good News! This blog breaks down these network terminologies and gives you a conviction on how some of those networks work so that you can make a more informed decision.

Private enterprise networks may use a combination of intranets and extranets. They may also provide network access to the Internet, which has no single owner and permits virtually unlimited global connectivity. Basically the networking types are;

1.     Intranet

An intranet is a set of networks that are under the control of a single administrative entity. The administrative entity limits use of the intranet to its authorized users. Most commonly, an intranet is the internal LAN of an organization. The intranet uses the IP protocol and IP-based tools such as web browsers and file transfer applications. A large intranet typically has at least one web server to provide users with organizational information. An intranet is also anything behind the router on a local area network.

2.     Extranet

An extranet is a network that is also under the administrative control of a single organization, but supports a limited connection to a specific external network. For example, an organization may provide access to some aspects of its intranet to share data with its business partners or customers. These other entities are not necessarily trusted from a security standpoint. Network connection to an extranet is often, but not always, implemented via WAN technology.

3.     Internetwork

An internetwork is the connection of multiple computer networks via a common routing technology using routers.

4.     Internet

It is a global system of interconnected governmental, academic, corporate, public, and private computer networks. It is based on the networking technologies of the Internet Protocol Tools. The Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers. More than 190 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions

The Internet is the largest example of an internetwork!

5.     Darknet

A darknet is an overlay network, typically running on the internet that is only accessible through specialized software. A darknet is an anonymizing network where connections are made only between trusted peers — sometimes called "friends" (F2F) — using non-standard protocols and ports.

Darknets are distinct from other distributed peer-to-peer networks as sharing is anonymous (that is, IP addresses are not publicly shared), and therefore users can communicate with little fear of governmental or corporate interference.