Chapter 1, Problem 2MC

Program Plan Intro

1.

Types of networks:

There are several ways to classify networks. One of the best ways to classify network is to consider the geographic scope of the network.

Types of network based on the geographic scope of the network are listed below:

• Local Area Network (LAN)
  • A LAN is a set of computer machines placed in the same common area. A LAN can cover a small area such as a single building, a work area, or a group of buildings.
• Backbone Network (BN)
  • A BN is a large central network connecting many local area networks. Typically backbone networks extent from hundreds of feet to several miles and offer high speed data transmission.
• Wireless Area Network (WAN)
  • A WAN connects many backbone networks. They typically range from hundreds to thousands of miles and offer high speed data transmission that range from 64-Kbps to 10-Gbps.

Program Plan Intro

2.

Types of standard protocols and technologies:

Today, there are several standard protocols and technologies used in networking. Each technology and standard typically covers one layer in a network. Most commonly used technologies and standards are listed in the table below

Layer	Standard protocols and technologies
Physical layer	Category 5 cable, RS-232C cable, V.92
Data link layer	Ethernet, T1, Frame relay
Network layer	Internet Protocol (IP)
Transport layer	Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
Application layer	Simple Mail Protocol (SMTP), Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), POP (Post Office Protocol), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)