We can characterize 6 types of network with the size of the area covered, the number of users connected, the number and types of services available, and the area of responsibility. The most important and famous types of networks are:

Local Area Network (LAN)

It is the first and most important of the types of networks. It provides access to users and end devices in a small geographical area such as a home network, or small business network, and a network in the same building. The following are the key points for LANs:-

• A limited geographic area such as home, office, and building.
• Allow multi-access to high bandwidth media.
• Full-time connectivity to local users.
• Control the network under local administration privately.
• Connected physically to adjacent devices.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is second in the types of a network that spans a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city). MANs are typically operated by a single entity such as a large organization.  MAN provides a link to the internet in the long run. A MAN usually incorporates several LANs to form a network. This large network MAN’s backbone comprises an optical fiber set-up. It is a hybrid network between a LAN and a WAN. It also connects two or more LANs in the same geographic area.

A MAN might connect two different buildings or offices in the same city. However, whereas WANs typically provide low to medium-speed access, MANs provide high-speed connections, such as T1 (1.544Mbps) and optical services. The optical services also provided SONET (the Synchronous Optical Network standard) and SDH (the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy standard). With these services, carriers can provide high-speed services, including ATM and Gigabit Ethernet. Devices used to provide connections for MANs include high-end routers, ATM switches, and optical switches.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

It is the 3rd in types of network providing access to other networks over a wide geographical area such as across cities, states and countries called Wide Area Network (WAN), which is typically owned and managed by a telecommunications service provider.

The WAN is the opposite of the personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs) which are usually limited to their area of responsibility. The easiest way to understand what a WAN is to think of the internet as a whole, which is the world’s largest WAN. The internet is a WAN because, through the use of ISPs, it connects lots of smaller local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs).

On a smaller scale, a business may have a WAN that’s comprised of cloud services, its headquarters, and smaller branch offices. The WAN, in this case, would be used to connect all of those sections of the business. Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. We can also connect them through leased lines or satellites. WAN gives access through a serial interface which is generally slow. It provides full-time and part-time connectivity.

Wireless LAN(WLAN)

This type of network is similar to a Local Area Network but wirelessly interconnects users and endpoints in a small geographical area. Wireless access points and a network of Wi-Fi routers are examples of WLAN.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A network infrastructure designed to support file servers and provide data storage, retrieval, and replication.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network for communication between computer devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants, in proximity to an individual’s body. The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters.

FAQs

1. What is a Local Area Network (LAN), and why is it considered the most important type of network?

• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers a limited geographical area like a home, office, or building. It’s crucial as it allows users and devices to connect within a small area, providing high-speed connectivity and local administration control.

2. How does a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) differ from a LAN, and what’s its purpose?

• A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) spans a larger physical area than a LAN but is smaller than a WAN, often covering a city. MANs provide high-speed internet access and connect multiple LANs within the same geographic area, making them a bridge between LANs and WANs.

3. What are the key characteristics of a Wide Area Network (WAN), and why is it compared to the internet?

• A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects networks over a wide geographical area, including cities, states, and countries. WANs are usually owned and managed by telecommunications service providers and are similar to the internet in the way they connect smaller LANs and MANs across large distances.

4. How does a Wireless LAN (WLAN) differ from a traditional LAN, and what’s its primary technology?

• A Wireless LAN (WLAN) connects users and endpoints within a small geographical area, just like a LAN, but wirelessly. It employs Wi-Fi routers and access points to provide flexibility and mobility to network users.

5. What is a Storage Area Network (SAN), and what’s its role in network infrastructure?

• A Storage Area Network (SAN) is designed to support file servers and provide data storage, retrieval, and replication. It plays a crucial role in managing and maintaining data efficiently.

6. Could you explain what a Personal Area Network (PAN) is and its typical range?

• A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network for communication between computer devices, like phones and personal digital assistants, near an individual’s body. It typically has a range of just a few meters.