IN Guyana, we often hear commercials with these statements, “Join the bigger better network” and “Best network, strongest signal”, coming from our two major mobile communication providers. There are different types of networks; for example, social networks, drainages and irrigation networks, road networks, etc. In the world of computers, networking is the practise of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data/information. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software.
In information technology, networking is the construction, design, and use of a network, including the physical (cabling, hub, bridge, switch, router, and so forth), the selection and use of telecommunication protocol (practice), and computer software for using and managing the network, and the establishment of operation policies and procedures related to the network.
Let’s talk a little about the types of computer networks, and how vital they are in our communication lives.
Area Networks
Networks can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans. A Local Area Network (LAN), for example, typically spans a single home, school, or small office building,

A Wide Area Network (WAN) reach across Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, Roisgnol, New Amsterdam or even across the world. The Internet is the world’s largest public WAN.

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are much like LAN networks, except they do not require network cables to connect each other. WLANs allow for small amounts of mobility, whilst being connected to the Internet. WLANs work according to the IEEE 802.11 standards (pronounced “Eye-triple-E”, which stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). WLANs are commonly seen being used by a WiFi Internet connection. Wireless LAN connections offer a surprising amount of mobility for users with laptops and smart-phones, while being able to stay connected to the Internet by different networking topology.

Storage Area Networks (SANs) are primarily used as information databases. They are not usually used by large organizations or similar entities. They are specifically used for the storage of information, and easy retrieval of specific pieces of data whenever required. Storage Area Networks are usually used by websites which offer downloading services.

Network Design
Computer networks also differ in their design. The two basic forms of network design are called client/server and peer-to-peer. Client-server networks feature centralized server computers that store email, Web pages, files and/or applications.
Conversely, on a peer-to-peer network, all computers tend to support the same functions. Client-server networks are much more common in business, while peer-to-peer networks are much more common in homes.
Network Topology
A network topology represents its layout or structure from the point of view of data flow. In so-called bus networks, for example, all of the computers share and communicate across one common conduit, whereas in a star network, all data flows through one centralized device. Common types of network topologies include bus, star, ring networks and mesh networks.

Network Protocols
Communication languages used by computer devices are called network protocol. Yet another way to classify computer networks is by the set of protocols they support. Networks often implement multiple protocols with each supporting specific applications. Popular protocols include Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the most common protocol found on the Internet and in home networks.

IP ADDRESS
An IP address is an identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP address of the destination. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is also called IPng (Internet Protocol next generation) and it is the newest version of the Internet Protocol (IP) to replace the current version of IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4).

Home Networking
While other types of networks are built and maintained by engineers, home networks belong to ordinary homeowners, people often with little or no technical background. Various manufacturers produce broadband router hardware designed to simplify home network setup. Home broadband routers allow devices in different rooms to efficiently share a broadband Internet connection, enable people to more easily share their files and printers within the network, and help with overall network security.

Business Networks
Small and home office (SOHO) environments use similar technology as found in home networks. Businesses often have additional communication, data storage, and security requirements that require expanding their networks in different ways, particularly as the business gets larger. Though also available and used by some households, voice over IP (VOIP) communication and network storage and backup technologies are prevalent in businesses. Larger companies also maintain their own internal Web sites, called intranets to help with employee business communication.

Networking and the Internet
The popularity of computer networks sharply increased with the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW) in the 1990s. Public Web sites, peer to peer (P2P) file sharing systems, and various other services run on Internet servers across the world.

Wired vs. Wireless Networking
Many of the same network protocols, like TCP/IP, work in both wired and wireless networks. Networks with Ethernet cables (CAT 5, 6) are predominated in businesses, schools, and homes for several decades. More recently, however, wireless alternatives have emerged as the premier technology for building new computer networks, in part to support smartphones and the other new kinds of wireless gadgets that have triggered the rise of mobile networking.
FIBER OPTIC –Newest kid on the block!
These cables are designed for long distance and very high bandwidth network communications.
Fiber optic cables carry communication signals using pulses of light. While expensive, these cables are increasingly being used instead of traditional copper cables, because fiber offers more capacity and is less susceptible to electrical interference. So-called Fiber to the Home (FTTH) installations are becoming more common as a way to bring ultra-high speed Internet service (100 Mbps and higher) to residences.
All of the above are available in Guyana; the choice is yours.