Computer networks may be categorized with respect to range:
Computer network applications may be categorized with respect to the functional relationships between components:
Computer networks may be categorized with respect to connective topologies:
Computer networks may be implemented using a variety of protocol stack architectures, or combinations of media and protocol layers, incorporating one or more of:
For standards see IEEE 802.
Suggested topics:
An often cited reference is Andy Tannenbaum, "Computer Networks" (ISBN 0133499456 (amazon.com, search)).