Open the App

Subjects

Computer Science

14 Dec 2025

69

6 pages

Understanding Different Types of Computer Networks

user profile picture

Ummi @ummi_.com

Computer networks are everywhere in your daily life - from the Wi-Fi at home to the internet you... Show more

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Networks by Size and Scope

LAN (Local Area Network) is probably what you use at home or school - it connects devices within a small area like a building. Your home Wi-Fi network is a perfect example, linking your laptop, phone, and gaming console together through a router.

LANs are brilliant because they're fast and reliable. They use either Ethernet cables (those thick cables plugged into walls) or Wi-Fi to connect everything. Since all the devices are close together, you get speedy internet and quick file sharing.

WAN (Wide Area Network) is the big player - think of the entire internet connecting cities and countries. When you video call a mate in another country, you're using a WAN that spans continents using fiber optic cables and satellites.

Quick Tip Remember LAN = Local (small), WAN = Wide (massive) - easy!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

More Network Types by Size

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) sits between LAN and WAN - it covers a whole city. Your local council might use a MAN to connect all their offices across town, or a university might link all its campuses within the city.

MANs often use fiber optic cables because they need to carry loads of data quickly across longer distances than a typical LAN. They're basically multiple LANs connected together to serve an entire metropolitan area.

PAN (Personal Area Network) is your personal bubble of connected devices. When you pair your Bluetooth headphones with your phone or connect your smartwatch, you've created a PAN that only reaches a few metres around you.

Real-Life Example Your phone, wireless earbuds, and fitness tracker all form a PAN using Bluetooth - it's like your personal tech ecosystem!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Networks by Purpose - Internal Systems

Intranets are like private, members-only versions of the internet that companies and schools use internally. Your school's internal portal where you check timetables and submit assignments? That's an intranet - only students and staff can access it.

Think of an intranet as a secure, password-protected website that uses the same technology as the regular internet but keeps everything private. Companies use them for internal communication, sharing documents, and accessing employee resources safely.

The beauty of intranets is that they look and feel just like regular websites, but they're completely cut off from the outside world. This means sensitive information like grades, company secrets, or personal data stays protected within the organisation.

Study Tip Intranet = Internal network - it's in the name!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Networks by Purpose - External Access

Extranets take intranets one step further by giving carefully chosen outsiders limited access to internal resources. Imagine your school letting parents log in to check your attendance - that's an extranet in action.

Companies often create supplier portals where their business partners can access specific documents or place orders. It's like giving someone a key to certain rooms in your house, but not the whole building.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over the public internet. When you use a VPN, it's like having a private, invisible pathway that keeps your data safe from prying eyes, even on public Wi-Fi.

Privacy Power VPNs are brilliant for secure browsing - they encrypt your data so hackers can't see what you're doing online, especially on dodgy public Wi-Fi networks.

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical
15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Computer Network

Most popular content in Computer Science

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Computer Science

69

14 Dec 2025

6 pages

Understanding Different Types of Computer Networks

user profile picture

Ummi

@ummi_.com

Computer networks are everywhere in your daily life - from the Wi-Fi at home to the internet you use for social media. Understanding the different types of networks helps you grasp how devices connect and communicate, whether it's your phone... Show more

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Networks by Size and Scope

LAN (Local Area Network) is probably what you use at home or school - it connects devices within a small area like a building. Your home Wi-Fi network is a perfect example, linking your laptop, phone, and gaming console together through a router.

LANs are brilliant because they're fast and reliable. They use either Ethernet cables (those thick cables plugged into walls) or Wi-Fi to connect everything. Since all the devices are close together, you get speedy internet and quick file sharing.

WAN (Wide Area Network) is the big player - think of the entire internet connecting cities and countries. When you video call a mate in another country, you're using a WAN that spans continents using fiber optic cables and satellites.

Quick Tip: Remember LAN = Local (small), WAN = Wide (massive) - easy!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

More Network Types by Size

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) sits between LAN and WAN - it covers a whole city. Your local council might use a MAN to connect all their offices across town, or a university might link all its campuses within the city.

MANs often use fiber optic cables because they need to carry loads of data quickly across longer distances than a typical LAN. They're basically multiple LANs connected together to serve an entire metropolitan area.

PAN (Personal Area Network) is your personal bubble of connected devices. When you pair your Bluetooth headphones with your phone or connect your smartwatch, you've created a PAN that only reaches a few metres around you.

Real-Life Example: Your phone, wireless earbuds, and fitness tracker all form a PAN using Bluetooth - it's like your personal tech ecosystem!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Networks by Purpose - Internal Systems

Intranets are like private, members-only versions of the internet that companies and schools use internally. Your school's internal portal where you check timetables and submit assignments? That's an intranet - only students and staff can access it.

Think of an intranet as a secure, password-protected website that uses the same technology as the regular internet but keeps everything private. Companies use them for internal communication, sharing documents, and accessing employee resources safely.

The beauty of intranets is that they look and feel just like regular websites, but they're completely cut off from the outside world. This means sensitive information like grades, company secrets, or personal data stays protected within the organisation.

Study Tip: Intranet = Internal network - it's in the name!

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Networks by Purpose - External Access

Extranets take intranets one step further by giving carefully chosen outsiders limited access to internal resources. Imagine your school letting parents log in to check your attendance - that's an extranet in action.

Companies often create supplier portals where their business partners can access specific documents or place orders. It's like giving someone a key to certain rooms in your house, but not the whole building.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over the public internet. When you use a VPN, it's like having a private, invisible pathway that keeps your data safe from prying eyes, even on public Wi-Fi.

Privacy Power: VPNs are brilliant for secure browsing - they encrypt your data so hackers can't see what you're doing online, especially on dodgy public Wi-Fi networks.

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

15/05, 14:03

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• BY SCOPE:

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK):

* Definition: Connects devices within a small
geographical

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Computer Network

Most popular content in Computer Science

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user