Types of LAN

LAN can be classified based on the Network Interface card used and the accessing methods used in network. There are different types of LANs available. They are Ethernet LAN and ARCNET LAN.

Ethernet:

Ethernet is the currently and most commonly used network architecture. Ethernet can use either bus or star topology. There are three types of Ethernet. They are Thin Coaxial Ethernet, Thick Coaxial Ethernet, and Twisted Pair Ethernet.

a) Thin Coaxial Ethernet:

This Ethernet cabling is more popular than thick Ethernet cabling because it is less bulky, more flexible and relatively easy to handle. Thin Ethernet cable is RG-58 coaxial cable of diameter 0.25 inches. Data transfer rate is 10 Mbps. Terminator resistance is 50 ohms. It is also called 10 base 2.

Rules and limitations:

• The maximum length of a thin Ethernet coaxial cable segment is 185m.
• Maximum number of segment is 5.
• Maximum of three repeaters are allowed.

b) Thick Coaxial Ethernet:

  Thick Ethernet cable is RG-8 coaxial cable. It is also called 10 base 5. It is bulkier and more difficult to handle than thin Ethernet cable.

Rules and limitations:

• The maximum length of a single thick Ethernet coaxial cable is 500m.
• Maximum number of segment is 5.
• Maximum of three repeaters can be connected.

c) Twisted Pair Ethernet:

Twisted Pair Ethernet cable can be shielded or unshielded. Unshielded cable is used most often because it is inexpensive, flexible, and easily installed. This type of cable is also called UTP Ethernet .Data transfer rate is 10 Mbps. Star topology is used.

Rules and limitations:

• Wiring hubs can be used to connect nodes to the network.
•  A hub typically connects 12 workstations.
• The maximum distance between a node and a wiring hub is 100 meters.

ARCNET:

ARCNET stands for Attached Resources Computing NETwork. It supports star and bus topologies. Data transfer rate is 2.5 Mbps. It supports twisted pair and fiber optic cable.

Rules and limitations:

• The number of nodes depends on the configuration of the network.
• The maximum distance between two active hub is 600 meters.