Types of Networks

Types of Networks (By Scale)

 1. LAN – Local Area Network

Connects a number of computers located geographically close to one another. For example, two computers directly connected to each other can be considered to be a LAN. A corporate network that services multiple adjacent buildings can also be considered as a LAN.

2. WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network A type of local-area network that uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes

3. CAN –Campus-Area Networks A network that connects two or more LANs but that is limited to a specific and

contiguous geographical area such as a college campus

, industrial complex, or a military base. A CAN, may be considered a type of MAN (metropolitan area network),

but is generally limited to an area that is smaller than a typical MAN.

4. MAN- Metropolitan Area Network Connects computers or LANs within the Town / City / Metropolitan area by using Leased / Dedicated lines, ISDN, ADSL (Telephone lines) or Fiber Optic Cables. A MAN typically covers an area of between 5 and 50 km range.

5. WMAN- Wireless Metropolitan Area Network

Connects computers or LANs within the Town City / Metropolitan area by using long

range wireless technology called Microwave.

6. WAN- Wide Area Network Ties / connects together computers or LANs in locations that could be distributed

throughout the country or even overseas by using PSTN, ISDN, Fiber Optic Cables. Most WANs comprise a number of LANs connected by long-distance, high-speed data-links.

7. WWAN- Wireless Wide Area Network Ties / connects together computers or LANs in locations that could be distributed throughout the country or even overseas by using Satellite links.

8. GAN – Global Area Network Refers to any network that is composed of different interconnected computer networks (WANs) and also covers an unlimited geographical area

9. PAN – Personal Area Network is a computer network

used for communication among computer devices (including telephones and personal digital assistants) close to one person. Personal area networks may be wired with computer buses such as USB , IrDA, Bluetooth and FireWire etc

10. SAN – Storage Area Network In computing , a storage area network ( SAN ) is an architecture to attach remote computer storage devices (such as disk arrays , tape libraries and optical jukeboxes ) to servers in such a way that, to the operating system , the devices appear as locally attached. Although cost and complexity is dropping,

as of 2007 , SANs are still uncommon outside larger

enterprises

.