Types of Networks
LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN is nothing more than a group of computers linked through a network all located at a single site. They have the following parameters;
- they occupy one physical location, and one physical location only – hence the word local in the title
- they have high-speed data transfer rates
- all data travels on the local network wiring
Wireless LAN are called 2G, 3G and 4G
WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN’s are geographically scattered LAN’s joined together using high-speed phone lines and routers. A router is a device that manages data between networks. Routers provide an important function – traffic control. They must be set up with information called routes that tell the router how to send data between networks.
Wireless WAN’s are called WiFi.MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
A Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN, is a series of LANs (Local Area Networks) that are interconnected through various means in a Metropolitan area such as a city and its suburbs. Range limit for setting up a MAN should be within 50km.
Wireless MAN are called WiMax.
CAN (Campus Area Network)
These type of networks are used in University campuses or College campuses.
PAN (Personal Area Network)
A PAN is used for sharing of data/files between personal devices like PC tablets, Laptops, PDA devices, etc. Sharing of information is commonly done using Bluetooth and Wireless technologies.
Note: The name for Bluetooth network that is used in mobile phones is called PICONet.
