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Networks including the internet
A computer network is simply two or more computers linked together to share resources, like files or an internet connection. The internet is the ultimate example, connecting billions of devices globally.
Need to know
What you need to know
- **PAN (Personal Area Network):** The smallest type of network, spanning just a few metres. It's used for connecting personal devices, often using wireless technologies like Bluetooth. For example, connecting a wireless headset to a smartphone.
- **LAN (Local Area Network):** Covers a limited area like a home, office, or school. Devices are connected via switches and cables (Ethernet) or wirelessly (WLAN - Wireless LAN). The organisation that owns the LAN also owns the networking equipment.
- **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Spans a large geographical area, connecting LANs together. The internet is the ultimate example of a WAN. WANs rely on infrastructure provided by telecommunications companies, such as fibre optic cables, satellite links, or microwave relays.
Explanation
From One Device to the World
- A single computer is a standalone 'node'. It can store data but cannot share it electronically.
- Connect two or more devices in a small area, like a home. This forms a Local Area Network (LAN) for sharing files or a printer.
- Introduce a central, powerful computer (a server) to manage resources for other computers (clients). This is the client-server model, common in schools and businesses.
- Connect millions of these individual networks across the globe using specialised hardware like routers. This vast, interconnected system is the internet.