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	CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET Wired Communication that uses wired is unlimited to access. Wired connection is most common type of network connection. By plugging your computer is the nest in the wall you get network access. There are some advantages and disadvantages of a wired connection. Advantages: the fastest and most reliable access to compare with wireless and cable and it is “extremely secure against anyone seeing data that they are not supposed to”. Disadvantages: cost materials and labor for each installation, additional cost if it needs to be moved, must be a way to get a wire from your computer to “the closest networking equipment in the building. Wireless Networks that use radio waves to transmit data, such as Wi-Fi. This type of network allows people to access the internet without having a wired connection. Wireless networks operate over one of three types of transmission: microwave, radio or infrared. Recently concerns have arisen over the effects of such networks on the health of the general populous. Various studies have suggested links between wireless interference and: memory loss, poor concentration, premature senility, nausea and even some varieties of cancer. Wireless operations permits services, such as long range communications, that are impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires. The most common use is to connect laptop users who travel from location to location. TYPES OF NETWORKS MAINFRAME Mainframe computers are typically large, metal boxed computers with large processing abilities. The terminals are called "dumb terminals" because they only send and receive data, leaving the processing to the mainframe. CLIENTS The client/server refers to the way two computer programs interact with each other. The client makes a request from the server, who then fulfills the request. Although this idea can be used on one computer it is an efficient way for a network of computers in different locations to interconnect. Local Area Network (LAN) The first LANs were created in the late 1970s. LANs are small networks constricted to a small area, like a city. LANs are used to share resources like storage, internet, et cetera. A 'node' on a LAN is a connected computer or device like a printer. Wide Area Network (WAN) WANs are very large networks that interconnect smaller LAN networks, for a large geographic area like a country (i. e., any network whose communications link crossmetropolitan, regional, or national boundaries.) WANs are usually for private companies, however, some built by internet service providers connect LANs to the internet. WAN can use a combination of satellites and microwaves, and can link a variety of computers from mainframes to terminals. A 'node' on a WAN is a LAN. Metro Area Network (MAN) Metropolitan area networks, or MANs, are large computer networks usually spanning a city. They typically use wireless infrastructure or Optical fiber connections to link their sites. When the LANs that you want to connect are not far apart, just blocks away, then you can make a MAN. The main difference between a WAN and a MAN network is the speed of the connection. Because the LANs are so close in a MAN, high speed fiberoptic cables are affordable. Campus area network (CAN) A Campus Area Network is a computer network made up of an interconnection of local area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area. It can be considered one form of a metropolitan area network, specific to an academic setting. In the case of a university campus-based campus area network, the network is likely to link a variety of campus buildings including; academic departments, the university library and student residence halls. A campus area network is larger than a local area network but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). The main aim of a campus area network is to facilitate students accessing internet and university resources. Personal Area Network (PAN) A personal area network is a computer network used for communication among computer devices (including telephones and personal digital assistants) close to one person. The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters. PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves (intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and the Internet (an uplink). Home Area Network (HAN) The Home Area Network uses cable, wired, or wireless connections to connect a homes' digital devices. For example, fax machines, computers, DVD's etc. Garden Area Network (GAN) A Garden Area Network is a similar system and allows for one system to control such devices like garden lights, sprinkler systems and alarm systems.