Classification of Computer Networks

A computer network is a system for communication among two or more computers or workstations. Computer networks can be sorted by range, functional relationship, network topology and specialized function. Hence following are the different types of networks along with the determining factors:

1. By Range
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Wireless LAN
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
2. By Functional Relationship
1. Client-Server
1. Multi-tier Architecture of Client-Server Models
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
3. By Network Topology
1. Bus Network
2. Star Network
3. Ring Network
4. Mesh Network
5. Tree Network
4. By specialized function
1. Storage Area Networks (SAN)
2. Value Added Networks (VAN)
3. SOHO Networks
4. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

There can be a myriad of other network types serving myriad of other network requirements. The classification provided here provides a brief yet comprehensive list of all the various network types in use in the world. In the following posts, you'll be able to read in details about all of these and hence you'll be able to appreciate this classification better.