Networking Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Networking - Term Paper Example In this situation, computer networking becomes essential for the company. However, a computer network is basically a set of computers connected through cable or other media so that they can share resources, communicate, and distribute information. Normally, a computer network is categorized into three categories: local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wide area network (WAN) (Nash 5; Kimbleton and Schneider). However, selection of a network structure depends on the corporations needs. This paper presents a detailed analysis of wide area network (WAN). This paper will outline WAN structure, its uses, advantages and protocols. To understand the structure of wide area network it is necessary to know about other two categories of networks: (Nash 25-27; Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat 471; Hutchinson and Sawyer 4.25; Forouzan and Fegan 14-15) A local area network is implemented to connect computers and devices within a small physical area for instance, school computer laboratory, home, office building or closely located set of buildings. In view of the fact that LANs cover limited geographical area thus high-speed media such as cables can be utilized to connect the computers. Additionally, since the high class media is used to connect the computers thus only some or no problems are emerged on the network. Moreover, since the LANs take small area thus the prices of equipment are somewhat cheap. Second class of networks is metropolitan area network (MAN), which is a high-speed network that is used to establish connection between local area networks in a metropolitan area for instance, a city or town and deals with the communication activity within the area. Since, MANs cover more wide area as compared to LANs thus they are slower than LANs however typically have a small number of errors on the network. Moreover, a MAN requires special equipment for connecting the different LANs together, thus