Type of information Computing Models
LAN Computer Model (Local Area Network Model)
Key Features:
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Covers a small area (up to a few kilometers).
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Uses wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connections.
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Computers are connected to a central device such as a switch, hub, or router.
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Data transfer is fast (usually 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps).
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Ownership and management are usually handled by one organization.
Advantages:
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High speed of data transfer.
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Resource sharing (files, printers, internet).
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Easy communication between connected systems.
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Centralized data storage possible.
Disadvantages:
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Limited coverage area.
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Requires maintenance of cables and network devices.
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Security risks if not properly managed.
Type of LAN
Bus Networking
LAN Bus Network (Bus Topology)
Definition:
A Bus Network (also called Bus Topology) is a type of LAN (Local Area Network) where all computers and devices are connected to a single central cable, called the bus or backbone.
This main cable carries data in both directions, and each computer is connected to it through a connector called a T-connector.
How It Works:
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Only one main communication line (bus cable) is used.
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When a computer sends data, it travels through the main cable.
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All computers receive the data, but only the intended recipient accepts it.
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Both ends of the main cable have terminators to absorb signals and prevent reflection.
Star Networking
A Star Network (or Star Topology) is a type of LAN (Local Area Network) in which all computers and devices are connected to a central device — usually a switch or hub.
All data passes through this central device before reaching other computers on the network.
How It Works:
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Each computer has its own cable connected to the central hub or switch.
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When one computer sends data to another, the data first goes to the hub/switch, which then forwards it to the correct destination.
Features:
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Centralized connection using a hub or switch.
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Easy to install, manage, and troubleshoot.
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Commonly used in modern LAN networks (e.g., offices, schools).
Advantages:
✅ Easy to add or remove computers.
✅ If one computer fails, others continue to work.
✅ Easy to detect faults and maintain.
✅ High performance when using a switch.
Disadvantages:
❌ If the central hub/switch fails, the whole network stops.
❌ Requires more cables than bus topology.
❌ Slightly more expensive due to central devices.
✅ In Short:
A Star Network connects all computers to a central hub or switch, making it fast, reliable, and easy to manage, which is why it’s the most popular LAN topology today.
Ring Networking 🔄 Ring Network (Ring Topology)
Definition:
A Ring Network, also known as Ring Topology, is a type of LAN (Local Area Network) where each computer (node) is connected to exactly two other computers, forming a closed loop or ring.
Data travels in one direction (unidirectional) or sometimes in both directions (bidirectional) around the ring until it reaches its destination.
How It Works:
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Each computer acts as a repeater to keep the signal strong and pass it to the next device.
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Data travels in a circular path from one computer to the next.
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A special signal called a token is passed around the ring to control which computer can send data — this is called a Token Ring network.
Diagram (Text Representation):
Features:
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Each node is connected to two other nodes.
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Data flows in a circle (one direction at a time).
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Commonly used in office networks in the past (before star topology became popular).
Advantages:
✅ Data flows smoothly in one direction (no data collision).
✅ Equal access for all computers (token-based).
✅ Suitable for small or medium-sized networks.
Disadvantages:
❌ If one computer or cable fails, the entire network can stop.
❌ Difficult to install or reconfigure.
❌ Troubleshooting is complex.
❌ Slower than star topology for large networks.
Example:
Used in older LAN systems such as IBM Token Ring networks, or in industrial control systems where predictable data flow is needed.
Ring Networking Image
🕸️ Mesh Network (Mesh Topology)
Definition:
A Mesh Network (or Mesh Topology) is a type of network topology in which every computer (node) is connected to every other computer in the network — either directly or through multiple paths.
This design ensures high reliability and redundancy, meaning even if one connection fails, data can still reach its destination through another path.
Types of Mesh Network:
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Full Mesh Topology:
Every device is directly connected to every other device.
Example: A small, high-security network (like in military or research labs). -
Partial Mesh Topology:
Some devices are connected to all, and others are connected only to a few.
Example: Used in large organizations to save cost while keeping reliability.
Diagram (Text Representation):
[PC1]——[PC2]
| \ / |
| \ / |
[PC3]——[PC4]
How It Works:
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Each computer sends data directly to the destination or through multiple routes.
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The network automatically finds the best path for data transfer if one route fails.
Features:
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Provides multiple communication paths.
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Very reliable and fault-tolerant.
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Commonly used in wireless networks (Wi-Fi Mesh Systems) and IoT (Internet of Things).
Advantages:
✅ Extremely reliable — no single point of failure.
✅ High performance — multiple data paths available.
✅ Easy to identify and fix problems.
✅ Excellent for mission-critical systems.
Disadvantages:
❌ Expensive — requires lots of cables and network ports.
❌ Complex setup and maintenance.
❌ Not practical for very large wired networks.
Example:
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Wireless mesh Wi-Fi systems (like Google Nest Wi-Fi, TP-Link Deco).
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Military communication systems or data centers where continuous connection is vital.
✅ In Short:
A Mesh Network connects each computer to multiple others, providing high reliability, no downtime, and multiple data paths, but at a higher cost and complexity.
Mesh Networking
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Tree Networking
🌳 Tree Network (Tree Topology)
Definition:
A Tree Network, also called a Hierarchical Topology, is a type of LAN topology that combines features of Star and Bus topologies.
In this network, multiple star networks are connected to a main bus cable, forming a structure similar to a tree — with root (main cable) and branches (individual star networks).
How It Works:
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The main cable (root node) acts as the backbone.
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Several secondary hubs or switches are connected to this main line.
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Each hub connects to multiple computers, forming branches of the network
Diagram (Text Representation):
Features:
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Combination of Bus and Star topologies.
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Data is transmitted from the root to branches.
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Each segment (branch) works independently, but they are all connected to the main backbone.
Advantages:
✅ Easy to expand — more computers or hubs can be added easily.
✅ Fault isolation — if one branch fails, others continue to work.
✅ Hierarchical structure helps manage large networks.
✅ Suitable for large organizations, universities, or schools.
Disadvantages:
❌ If the main backbone cable fails, the entire network goes down.
❌ Requires more cables and hubs — costly.
❌ Setup and maintenance are complex compared to star topology.
Example:
Used in large campus networks, corporate offices, or university departments, where multiple smaller networks (like labs or offices) are connected through a main central line.
✅ In Short:
A Tree Network is a combination of Star and Bus topologies, forming a hierarchical structure that is easy to expand and manage, but depends heavily on the main backbone cable.
Image of tree Network
Wide Area Network or WAN
🌍 WAN Network (Wide Area Network)
Definition:
A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a large-scale network that connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) or MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) across different cities, states, or even countries using communication channels such as telephone lines, satellites, or the internet.
It allows computers and users in different locations to communicate and share data globally.
Example:
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The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
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Banks connecting their branches across different cities.
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Universities or companies linking offices in multiple locations.
Diagram (Text Representation):
Features:
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Covers a large geographical area (national or international).
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Connects multiple LANs or MANs.
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Uses public transmission media (like telephone lines, fiber optics, or satellites).
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High-speed routers and switches manage communication.
Advantages:
✅ Connects offices and users across long distances.
✅ Enables data sharing and communication worldwide.
✅ Centralized data access for organizations.
✅ Useful for online education, banking, and business operations.
Disadvantages:
❌ Expensive to install and maintain.
❌ Slower speed compared to LAN.
❌ Security risks due to data transfer over public networks.
❌ Needs skilled administrators for maintenance.
WAN Components:
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Router: Connects LANs to the WAN.
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Modem: Converts digital data for transmission over phone lines.
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Communication Link: Uses telephone, satellite, or fiber optic cables.
Examples of WAN Technologies:
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Internet
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Leased Lines
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VPN (Virtual Private Network)
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MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
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Satellite Communication
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