| Network Services - Types of Network
To help you to understand the concept of networking, the following table outlines several different types of networks used to manage work-group computing. Since network issues can be very particular then why not tell us your problem and we'll try to help - just fill in our quick query form.
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Some Common Types of Network |
Local Area Network |
A Local Area Network comprises two or more computers connected together to form a work-group. The main purpose of a LAN is to enable users to share resources that are common to their job description. Network wide services for communication (such as email) ensures users can exchange documents and messages. Shared content (such as databases and forms) are managed from a central repository or stand-alone server. In a LAN most users will have access to, and utilise most of the data. |
Wide Area Network |
A Wide Area Network comprises two or more computers located in separate geographical locations connected together to form a work-group or division. The main purpose of a WAN is to enable users to share resources that are common to their job description. Services for communication (such as email) are supplemented by enterprise wide systems such as Intranets. Enterprise data is coordinated from a central repository or stand-alone server with work-group data distributed throughout the network. Data management strategies such as Data Warehousing and Client/Server are used to arbitrate requests for information from different users or groups. |
Intranet |
An Intranet uses technologies developed for the Internet (eg. email, web-browsers, HTTP, FTP) to deliver an open solution that can be accessed by an organisation's membership, such as employees. Intranets are typically used to provide a range of services and information applicable to users. It can effectively produce a "knowledge-base" of organisational rules, procedures, and technologies that support all members in achieving organisational objectives. Intranets are distinguised from Internets by being restricted ("firewalled") to bona-fide members of the organisation. Some restrictions may also be imposed on Intranet users to restrict access to some data or services. Intranets are usually managed by a "webmaster" or systems administrator whose task it is to ensure data published on the Intranet are current and delivered to a relevant audience. |
Extranet |
The concept of an Extranet is similar to that of an Intranet except it extends some services and information to an audience beyond the membership of the organisation. For example, consumers may be given access to catalogues of products and tools to submit orders directly into the organisation's systems. This does not necessarily imply an e-commerce system where the customers are sourced over the Internet although there may have some overlaps in functional elements. Extranets are generally used to deliver information relevant to non-organisation members. Information is drawn from the same source as for the organisations internal sytems and repackaged if necessary. Typical uses for an Extranet may include product or customer support or access to pricing or special deals. |
Virtual Private Network |
Like an Intranet, the VPN is designed to support organisation members. A Virtual Private Network is similar to a WAN - the main distinction is in the technologies used control the flow of information and the use of open systems, including the Internet. A VPN is basically a secure WAN that uses the technologies of the Internet as the conveyancing medium. This allows the enterprise systems used to manage the organisation to be delivered to users at any point of presence. The key to an effective VPN is portability of data between systems and system users. A VPN should be capable of managing transaction data securely and making these data available to legitimate users through data portals. This makes a VPN an amalgum of Internet/Intranet and WAN. |
Business To Business |
The b2b networking paradigm is a recent addition and is a specialised form of Extranet that is more akin to a VPN. b2b describes processes used to enable direct business-to-business data exchange. The critical issue here is security - if a business is going to conduct transactions with other enterprises, minus any human controls, then there is considerable scope for electronic fraud. The advantages of b2b are obvious. Considerable organisational effort is expended processing transactions from one electronic system into another. Huge cost savings are possible if standard practices (like raising and receipting invoices) can be automated. Distribution of pricelists and catalogues can be integrated into other data exchange activities. Needless to say this is going to be a huge growth area. |