Local Area Network (LAN)
- A LAN is a group of networks in close proximity, such as a floor or group of
buildings.
- Commonly used for ethernet (wired) or 802.11 wireless (Wi-Fi)
connections.
- Provides high-speed communication due to short distances.
- Example: Connecting to a network in the same building or office.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
- A WAN connects networks over long distances, such as cities, states, or countries.
- Slower than LANs due to distance and infrastructure challenges.
- Uses various technologies, including:
- Point-to-point serial connections
- MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)
- Terrestrial networks (ground-based infrastructure)
- Non-terrestrial networks (satellite communications)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
- A PAN is a small-scale network for personal devices, typically within a few meters.
- Common technologies include:
- Bluetooth (wireless headsets, audio systems)
- Infrared (IR)
- Near Field Communication (NFC)
- Examples:
- Connecting a smartphone to a car’s audio system.
- Health devices (fitness trackers, smartwatches) syncing with a phone.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- A MAN covers a city or large campus, bridging the gap between LANs and WANs.
- Often uses Metro Ethernet (standardized Ethernet for city-wide connectivity).
- Local governments may deploy their own fiber networks for MANs.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
- A SAN is a dedicated, high-speed network for storage devices.
- Provides block-level access, allowing efficient data transfers even for large
files.
- Operates on an isolated network with high-speed connections to avoid congestion.
Wireless LAN (WLAN)
- A WLAN is a wireless extension of a LAN using 802.11 (Wi-Fi)
technology.
- Allows mobility within a local area (e.g., home, office, or campus).
- Can be expanded with additional access points for larger coverage.