what are the different types of computer networking and thei differences?

Answer 1

There are several types of Networking, LAN = Local Area Network, WAN = Wide Area Network, MAN = Metropolitan Area Network, BAN = Broad Area Network, VAN = Vast Area Network, CAN = Centralized Area Network. For details you need to do courses. THough I'm CCNA & MSCE Certified but still can't give you courses on yahoo Answers. If you are in India, suggest you to take up courses in IIHT.

Answer 2

This article describes the two primary types of computer networks most widely used today.

Introduction

By definition a network is simply two or more computers communicating with each other. By understanding the different kinds of networks and how they work you will be able to determine which network will suit your organization's needs best. Some networks are rather simple and easy to set up while others are much more complex and will require the help of a trained professional.

LAN

LAN stands for Local Area Network. These networks can consist of anywhere from two to thousands of computers. Even a simple network of one computer connected to one printer can be considered a LAN. You can also get more in-depth information and view illustrations in the Reference Library article Understanding LANs.

Peer-to-Peer - Sometimes called P2P, these networks are the simplest and least expensive networks to set up. P2P networks are simple in the sense that the computers are connected directly to each other and share the same level of access on the network, hence the name. Computer 1 will connect directly to Computer 2 and will share all files with the appropriate security or sharing rights. If many computers are connected a hub may be used to connect all these computers and/or devices.
Client/Server - Probably the most common LAN types used by companies today, they are called "client/server" because they consist of the server (which stores the files or runs applications) and the client machines, which are the computers used by workers. Using a client/server setup can be helpful in many ways. It can free up disk space by providing a central location for all the files to be stored. It also ensures the most recent copy of that file is available to all. A server can also act as a mail server (which collects and sends all the e-mail) or a print server (which takes all the print jobs and sends them to the printer, thus freeing computing power on the client machine to continue working).
WAN

Wide Area Networks, or WANs are very large networks of computers. These networks span large geographical areas, generally covering a couple miles, sometimes connecting computers thousands of miles apart. A WAN can also be a collection of LANs, bringing together many smaller networks into one large network. A WAN can constitute a very large corporate or government network, spanning the country or even the world. In fact, the Internet is the largest and most common WAN in existence today.

Summary

LANs and WANs in general are similar in the sense that they are collections of computers. However, there are huge differences between the simplest P2P LAN and a WAN. Whereas it is fairly easy to connect two computers to each other and to a shared printer to for a simple P2P LAN, trying to build a safe and secure LAN takes considerable time and resources. Understanding your organization's needs, the size of the network to be built, the complexity, and the fundamental differences between the different types of LANs and WANs will help you to build the most effective network for your organization.