Computer networks are an essential part of our lives. Businesses manage them, governments rely on them, and people of all walks of life come into contact with them every day. They are the driving force behind modern-day society, making tasks that were once laborious quick and easy.
There are different types of networks in existence today. Each one serves a specific purpose and often targeted by its own set of security threats.
This article will go over the different types of computer networks, explain how they work, and detail some of their common vulnerabilities that could lead to cyber-attacks.
The Various Types of Networks
The main goal behind having a server network is sharing information between computers. This is done in many ways, and the types of networks vary greatly.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
The first form of computer network was a wide area network (WAN). It’s used to connect computers that are distant from each other over telephone lines or radio signals.
These days, WANs can also use high-speed fiber optics as their distribution mechanism. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the most popular protocol used for WANs today.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) connects computers that are near each other, such as in a building or on a college campus. The main difference between having a LAN and not having one is distance. The computers need to be relatively close to one another for their data to transfer fast enough.
So, if a computer is only three meters away from another computer on the same network, they can create and use their own private access point for faster data transfer speeds.
LANs typically use ethernet as their distribution mechanism. They may require expensive hardware such as routers and switches—and security systems—in order to function properly.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A personal area network is one that connects computers close to the face of a person. Some wearable technologies, such as smartwatches and augmented-reality devices, use PANs in order to communicate with each other over short distances. These types of networks are typically small in scale—between two or three devices—and the data transferred over them is secure.
The Bluetooth protocol is used with PANs. It’s designed to allow wireless device-to-device communication with a range of about 10 meters.
Local Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P)
A local peer-to-peer network is one in which devices create their own private network with each other.
For example, two people working in the same office may share information using a P2P network that’s built into their wireless routers. Each router assigns data to its recipient with unique encryption keys, which prevents outsiders from monitoring the data sent over the network or taking it for their own use.
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is used for P2P networks. However, it’s best if the router in question supports what’s known as User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
This protocol doesn’t verify that each packet of data has reached its recipient successfully. Instead, it sends packages one after another until it’s certain all of them have been distributed.
Mesh Network
A mesh network is a computer network that connects multiple nodes without using a centralized distribution system. All the nodes communicate with each other in order to send and receive information.
Mesh networks are either small or large, depending on their scale. If a node fails, the rest of the network will continue to function normally.
Typically, mesh networks use ad hoc mode for their wireless connections. They don’t have an infrastructure that’s connected over a specific path. On the other hand, infrastructure mode is used on wired LANs that have more than two nodes.
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The Most Common Security Threats to Computer Networks
The various types of computer networks each have different security threats. However, there are some that are common to all of them. Some examples of these include:
Identity Theft: This happens when a person pretends to be someone else in order to get that person’s social security number or credit card information.
Denial of Service Attacks: An attacker floods a computer with traffic in order to prevent someone else from accessing its data or disrupting its services.
Phishing: The goal of phishing is to get personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account details. This typically happens via email.
Spam Email: Spam email is any mass-distributed email that’s undesired by the recipient. Its goal is to promote a product or service for commercial purposes.
Viruses and Malware: These are used to infect a computer with software that can damage its files, delete data, and give hackers access to its network.
In general, it’s best if businesses implement some form of security on their networks. This helps to keep them safe from threats such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, and spam email.
In some cases, businesses may need to invest in more advanced hardware and software for this purpose. However, they can also rely on a third-party security company to protect their networks from the aforementioned threats.
Understanding the Different Types of Networks
There are different types of networks out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, all of them can be used to make your life easier! So, which type do you prefer?
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