network-types as

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Purpose & benefits of networking

A network is two or more interconnected devices (such as computers, printers, and servers) designed to:
- share resources
- exchange data
- communicate with each other
The purpose of a network is to enable data and resource sharing, communication, and collaboration

Advantages	Disadvantages
Devices (e.g. printers) can be shared, reducing costs	Expensive setup – cabling and servers can cost a lot
Software licences for networks are cheaper than for individual computers	Difficult to manage – large networks need skilled administration
Users can share files and data easily	If the server fails, the whole network can be affected
Access to reliable, central data (e.g. from a file server)	Malware or hacking can affect the entire network
Files can be backed up centrally each day	Security risks increase if connected to a larger WAN
Users can communicate via email or messaging
A network manager can control access rights and internet usage

A local area network (LAN) is a network which has a small geographical area (under 1 mile)
All of the hardware is owned by the company/organisation/household using it
LANs will use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, fibre optic cable or wireless connections (Wi-Fi)

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows centralised management of updates, backups and software installations	If hardware fails, the network may not function properly or even at all
Can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus software and other security features to prevent unauthorised access	Networks are more prone to attacks than standalone computers
Allows users on the network to share resources such as printers and other peripherals	Access to data and peripherals can be slow depending on network traffic
Allows the users of the network to collaborate and share files and folders	Require maintenance to ensure that software is up to date, upgrades and backups which can be costly

A wireless local area network is a local area network where devices connect to the network wirelessly instead of using cables
Extra hardware, wireless access points (WAPs) or hotspots are connected to the network so that users can connect using Wi-Fi

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows users to connect anywhere that is in the range of a Wireless Access Point (WAP) without the need for additional hardware or wiring.	Limited in their coverage and can be further affected by walls and other structures
Can be used in a variety of environments both indoors and out making them highly flexible	Bandwidth speeds can become an issue in high traffic areas
Additional wireless access points can be added relatively easily resulting in additional users being able to use the network or increased network coverage	Interference from other devices which can affect performance and connectivity
Access to peripherals such as printers	Vulnerable to security threats due to wireless signals being intercepted

A wide area network (WAN) is a network which has a large geographical area (over 1 mile)
They are a collection of LANs joined together
The computers on a WAN are connected via routers
The hardware used to connect the networks together is not all owned by the company/organisation/household using it.
For example, telephone lines owned by telecommunication companies
WANs will use fibre optic cable, telephone lines and satellite to connect the LANs together