Nätverkstyp

Nätverkstyp refers to the classification or category of a computer network based on its characteristics. These characteristics can include the geographical area it covers, its topology, the protocols it uses, or its ownership. Understanding network types is crucial for designing, managing, and troubleshooting computer systems.

One common way to categorize networks is by their geographical scope. A Local Area Network (LAN) is typically confined to a small area, such as an office building or a home. A Wide Area Network (WAN), on the other hand, connects networks over a large geographical distance, often spanning cities, countries, or even continents, with the internet being the most prominent example of a WAN. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) fall between LANs and WANs, covering a city or a large campus.

Another classification is based on network topology, which describes the physical or logical arrangement of nodes and connections. Common topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh, and tree. The choice of topology affects network performance, cost, and resilience.

Networks can also be differentiated by their architecture. A client-server network has dedicated servers that provide resources and services to client computers. A peer-to-peer network, in contrast, allows all computers to share resources directly with each other without a central server.

Finally, network types can be distinguished by their purpose or ownership, such as private networks, public networks, or virtual private networks (VPNs), which extend a private network across a public network. This classification helps in defining access controls and security measures.