General Networks

The term “General Networks” refers to a collection of devices that are connected together through communication channels, allowing the sharing of information and resources. This category focuses more specifically on networks that specialize in transmitting data. Data can be transmitted and devices can be connected through many different types of channels. These channels include coaxial cables, fiber optics, power lines, Ethernet cables, and wireless.

Data can be delivered by different types of businesses including data centers, telephony providers, cable providers, satellite service providers, ISP (Internet Service Providers), even power companies.

Data can be transmitted via different types of general networks including internet, intranet, and extranet using LAN (Local Area Networks), MAN(Metropolitan Area Network), WAN(Wide Area Network), and wireless networks. LAN’s are usually restricted to smaller environments, like a single building that is interconnected. Man’s are restricted to a larger area such as a town or a city. WAN’s are the broadest type of network when it comes to area restriction.

General networks can have different designs on any type of general network. They can use a ring design where if on device breaks, it breaks the communication chain. They can use a star design where there is one central device that connects to all other devices. The most common design is the fully connected design which gives every device a connection to every other device allowing information to get to any device in the network regardless of any connection break.

Knowing provider and network trends, projections, and market share will allow you to make the right decisions. Researching general network information can give you insights into where the greatest networking opportunities reside.