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A computer network is a system for communication among two or more computers.1 Categorizing
1.1 By range
1.2 By functional relationship
- bus network
- star network
- ring networkA ring network is a topology of computer networks where each user is connected to two other users, so as to create a ring. The most popular example is a token ring network. Ring networks tend to be inefficient when compared to client/server networks becau
- grid networkA grid network is a kind of computer network consisting of a number of (computer) systems connected in a grid topology. In a regular grid topology, each node in the network is connected with two neighbors along one or more dimensions. If the network is on
- toroidal networks and hypercubes
- tree and hypertree networksA hypertree is an acyclic hypergraph. Tree and hypertree networks are important special cases of star network topologies. Computer terminology Computer networks.
1.4 By specialized function
- Storage area networkIn computing, a storage area network (SAN is a network designed to attach computer storage devices such as disk array controllers and tape libraries to servers. As of 2004, SANs are common in enterprise storage. Defining SAN A SAN is distinguished from ots
- Server farmA server farm is a collection of computer servers usually maintained by an enterprise to accomplish server needs far beyond the capability of one machine. It also allows distribution of tasks so that when one particular server (such as e-mail) fails, thes
- Process control networkA Process Control Network (PCN) is a communications network that is used to transmit instructions and data between control and measurement units and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment. These networks have, over the years, used manys
- Value added networkValue Added Network VAN is a computer network put in by a third party who also provides additional "value," i. they maintain the network, administer it, provide services not available from common network carriers, etc, usually for a fee.
- SOHO network
2 Protocol stacks
Computer networks may be implemented using a variety of protocol stack architectures, computer buses or combinations of media and protocol layers, incorporating one or more of:
For a list of more see Network protocols
For standards see IEEE 802.
