Types of Data networks

Types of Data networks.

1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a computer network that connects devices such as computers, hubs, switches etc over a relatively short distance. This kind of network is confined to a single building such as an office building, hospitals, schools or home.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): It refers to a network that exist within a single city or a metropolitan area. A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. If we had two different building within a city that were connected together , it would be considered a MAN.

3. Wide Area Network (WAN): As the name implies, a WAN covers a large geographical locations and is typically made up of multiple LANs. A network device called a Router connects this LANs together to form a WAN. A typical example of a WAN is the internet.

4. Internet: The internet literally means internetwork or international network. An internetwork is a type of WAN that connects bunch of networks. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to link several billion devices together.

Types of information systems

1. Data processing system: This is a system that processes data, which has been captured and encoded in a format recognized by the data processing system or has been created and stored by another unit of an information system.

2. Global positioning system (GPS): Is a space-based global navigation satellite that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the earth when and where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The GPS is made up of 3 parts:

i.        The satellites orbiting the Earth called the space segment;

ii.      The control and monitoring stations on earth called the control station;

iii.    The GPS receiver.

GPS Applications

1. Navigation: GPS allows soldiers to find their targets

2. Map making: Both civilian and military cartographers use GPS extensively.

3. Disaster relief/emergency services:they depend upon GPS for location and timing capabilities

4. Geofencing: Vehicle or any other type of tracking systems use GPS to locate a vehicle etc.

5 Surveying: surveyors use absolute locations to make maps and determine property boundary.

6. Search and rescue : downed pilots can be located faster if their position is known.

7. Cellular telephony: GPS receivers are now integrated in many mobile phones 8. Missile and projectile guidance: GPS allows accurate targeting of various military weapons.