Networking

A computer network is an interconnection of a group of computers. Networks may be classified by what is called the network layer at which they operate according to basic reference models that is considered to be a standard in the industry, the four-layer Internet Protocol Suite model are examples. While the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is better known in academia, the majority of networks use the Internet Protocol Suite (IP) as their network model.
Contents[hide]
1 By scale
2 By connection method
3 By functional relationship
4 By network topology
5 By protocol
6 Types of networks:
6.1 Personal Area Network (PAN)
6.2 Local Area Network (LAN)
6.3 Campus Area Network (CAN)
6.4 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
6.5 Wide Area Network (WAN)
6.6 Global Area Network (GAN)
6.7 Internetwork
6.7.1 Intranet
6.7.2 Extranet
6.7.3 Internet
7 Basic Hardware Components
7.1 Network Interface Cards
7.2 Repeaters
7.3 Hubs
7.4 Bridges
7.5 Switches
7.6 Routers
8 Building a simple computer network
9 Ancillary equipment used by networks
9.1 Providing Electrical Power
9.1.1 Dealing with Power Failures
9.2 Monitoring and Diagnostic Equipment
10 See also
11 References