Definition – What does Network mean?
A network is a group of two more computers that communicate with each other. While the traditional network is contained desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, smartphones, tablets, televisions, gaming consoles, and other electronics. Today, there are many types of networks exist, but all these kinds fall under two primary categories such as LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks).
Glossary Web explains Network
LAN (local area network) is limited to a specific area, such as a home or office. A home network may have a single router that provides both wired and Wi-Fi connections. All the connected devices to the router share the same network and often the same Internet connection. A massive network, such as the network of an educational institution, may be consists of many hubs, switches, and Ethernet cables. It also includes multiple wireless access points and wireless repeaters that offers wireless access to the network. While this kind of network is much more complicated than a home network, it is still considered a LAN (local area network) since it is limited to the specific location.
A wide area network (WAN) is not limited to a specific area but spans multiple locations. It is often comprised of multiple LANs that are linked over the Internet. A company WAN may extend from the headquarters to other offices around the world. Access to wide area networks may be limited using authentication, firewalls, and other kinds of security measures. The Internet itself is the largest WAN since it includes all locations connected to the Internet.