Principles of Computer Networks

Types of networks

A   LAN is a type of network that is located on one site. It can be as small as two computers connected together but is limited by the size of the organisation.
 
A network that covers a larger geographical area is known as a WAN. This could be many smaller networks connected together in a large organisation. This type of network can span countries and even continents.
 
A VAN is a public network that adds value to the basic communication provided by common carriers. The added value comes in the form of specialised services such as access to commercial databases, E-mail and video conferencing.
 
A protocol suite is a set of protocols that can be used of a specific type of network. An example of a protocol suite that is used on LANs is the TCP/IP suite.
 
An older protocol that has been superseded by TCP/IP is AppleTalkThis  protocol was devised by Apple for the Mac system.
 
The OSI model defines the standards for communication across LANs. At layer 2 of the OSI model the IEEE has defined  the 802.x series of standards.
Here you need to define all of this series of standards including those for wireless.
 
A standard that defines communication using fibre optic technology is FDDI. This technology allows a LAN to be extended over a range of over 200 kilometres and also supports transmission of traffic in both directions.
 
Communications can be defined as connectionless. A common protocol used for connectionless systems is UDP