Computer network is a form of electronic and digital communication that permits nodes to share resources. The network is of a small or a large number of computers which are connected with communication links at different locations. The connections between nodes are established by using cable media or wireless media. Depending upon the operational area of the network, it may be classified as under.

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network:

It is used to connect a wider geographical area like different cities or even different countries.

These communications links are established through telephone lines or microwave links via satellite. The Wide Area Network has made it possible to improve the working of business circles and other organizations. The improvement may be in such ways as in improved procurement of raw materials and quicker distribution of end products, and many more. The manegers and the executives of business and industrial organizations can manage their resources effectively. They can plan the production schedule, marketing strategies, and workers training by sitting at remote places. The Wide Area Network supports global networking also.

Wide Area Network has the capability of handling large database but involves higher costs. It supports different protocols for communication. Most popular protocol TCP/IP (Transmission Control) / Internet Protocol. Earlier, such networks were being used by a limited number of organizations due to high cost of networking. But due to advantancement in information and communication technologies, and reduced cost of networking more and more organizations are opting for it now.