Welcome to “Advantages and Disadvantages of Network Types.” After watching this video, you will be able to: Define the pros and cons of networking. Explain how size and connection type affect a network. And describe the pros and cons of each network type. Computer networking refers to connected computing devices (like laptops, servers, and smartphones). Networking has expanded to include Internet of Things devices (like security cameras, door locks, doorbells, refrigerators, thermostats, and more). Networks: Provide communication tools like email and chat, and enable the sharing of files and devices (like printers, security cameras, and sensors). Networks provide centralized resources like storage databases, which enable bulk software installation, easy backups, and larger storage capacity. Networks allow remote access when you’re away from your computer but need to perform a task or get to specific files. Networks also reduce hardware and software costs, And enable control over security and access. However, networks also: Require technical expertise And more maintenance than just one device. Networks are more vulnerable to viruses and hacking, more expensive than using a single device, And require other users and systems to function. Smaller networks are easier to troubleshoot than larger networks. They require less hardware and are Easier to secure, upgrade, and manage. Smaller networks are not as flexible as larger networks when it comes to access, resources, and mobility, But they are less expensive. Wired networks have fixed access points, while wireless networks can be accessed from anywhere in the network. Wired networks have less expensive hardware than wireless but require more devices and cabling. Wired networks are also easier to manage and offer faster connectivity and more security. However, wired networks are less flexible than wireless when it comes to mobility and are also harder to set up and scale. The basic network types can be wired or wireless. From smallest to largest, they are: PAN or WPAN LAN or WLAN MAN or WMAN, and WAN or WWAN A personal area network, or PAN, enables communication between devices around a person. PANs are wired and WPANs are wireless. PANs use technologies like USB and firewire. WPANs use technologies like infrared, ZigBee, and Bluetooth. PANs and WPANs range from a few centimeters to a few meters. PANs and WPANs are: Flexible and mobile, have a one-time, easy setup, and are portable. But they also have: Limited range and limited bandwidth. A local area network (or LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that share a connection to a server. LANs use wired connections and WLANs use wireless connections. A LAN or WLAN may serve two or three users in a home office or several hundred users in a corporation’s central office. LANs and WLANs enable network devices to share resources like printers or network storage. LANs provide connection via cables, switches, and routers. WLANs provide connection via wifi signals from wifi routers, modems, and wireless access points. Advantages include: Reliability and versatility. High data transmission rates. And they are easier to manage. Disadvantages include: Smaller network coverage area. The number of devices affects speed. And there are security risks. A metropolitan area network (or MAN) is optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several building blocks to entire cities. A MAN is often formed by connecting multiple LANs. Examples of MANs and WMANs include: cable TV networks, telephone networks providing high-speed DSL lines, or any public or free wifi system provided to residents of a city. A MAN or WMAN: Covers multiple city locations. Is easy to use, extend, and exchange. And is managed by an ISP, government entity, or corporation. However, it: Requires special user permissions. And has the higher costs and security risks that come with larger networks. Wide area networks (or WANs) provide global coverage. WAN and WWAN examples include the Internet and cellular networks. WANs and WWANs offer: Global coverage and more security. However, they are: Expensive and difficult to maintain. In this video, you learned that: Networks offer control, remote access, and sharing but are harder to manage, vulnerable, and depend on other systems. Smaller networks cost less and are easier to learn and manage, but have less power, capacity, and flexibility. Wired networks are faster, more secure, and easier to manage, but require more hardware and offer less flexibility. And each network type has its own pros and cons.
