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Advantages of Networking


                 Sharing of Files:  Networking  is  an  effective  way  to  share  files  among  different  nodes  (connected
                 computers). For example, in a school, if the result file is stored on a network system, the examination
                 department, class teachers, and the principal can all share and access the same result file from their own
                 systems (i.e., nodes).
                 Sharing of Resources: Networking  helps in the  sharing  of  common hardware devices.  For  example,
                 a printer can be connected to a computer in a network that can be shared by different nodes that are
                 connected within the same network.

                 Delivery of Information: Networking helps in quick delivery of information. In conventional system,
                 sending letter from one place to another takes several days but one can send the same letter or other
                 files instantly through a network.
                 Low cost of data transfer: With the help of a network, data or information gets transferred at a very low
                 cost. Networking has considerably reduced the cost of transfer of information from one node to another.

                 Types of Network

                 Based upon geographical area, networks can be classified into four broad categories:

                 l  PAN                                         l  LAN
                 l  MAN                                         l  WAN

                 PAN (Personal Area Netwok)

                 PAN is a type of network in which nodes are connected
                 over a very small range (which is about 10 metres) for
                 personal use only. The common connecting  devices
                 in a personal area network are mobile phones, media
                 devices, laptops, etc.
                 The common connecting media used in PAN are Zigbee,
                 Bluetooth, etc. In PAN, communication speeds goes upto
                 250 kbps in Zigbee and 24 Mbps in bluetooth.

                 LAN(Local Area Network)

                                                                LAN is a type of network in which nodes are connected
                                                                in a local unit or in small geographical area, such as the
                                                                offices,  various  departments  of  a  manufacturing  unit,
                                                                etc.  The  common connecting  media used  in LAN are
                                                                cables, Wi-Fi, ethernet, etc. LANs are restricted in size
                                                                and are convenient to handle.
                                                                In LAN,  data  communication takes place  at  a  rate of
                                                                100–1000 mbps. It is privately owned by an individual
                                                                or an organisation and provides the user with an access
                                                                to share several common hardware resources, i.e,
                                                                computers, terminals, printers, servers, etc.




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