Overview of Network Types
COMPUTER NETWORK NOTES, IOE, BSCCSIT, BCA
OVERVIEW OF NETWORK TYPES
Computer networks can be categorized into different types based on their size, scope, and purpose.
Local Area Network (LAN):
A LAN is a network that is limited to a small geographic area, such as a single building or a campus. Devices within a LAN can communicate with each other at high speeds.
Features:
Small geographical area (e.g., home, office, school).
Privately owned and managed.
High-speed (typically 1 Gbps or more).
Uses Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi, or fiber optics.
Office network connecting computers, printers, and servers.
- Wide Area Network (WAN):
- A WAN covers a larger geographic area, connecting multiple LANs. It may include city-wide, country-wide, or global networks, and it uses various technologies for long-distance communication.
Covers a country or even globally.
Owned by multiple organizations or ISPs.
Speed is lower than LAN/MAN due to long-distance transmission.
Uses leased lines, satellites, fiber optics, and wireless technologies.
The Internet, multinational company networks.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
- A MAN falls between a LAN and a WAN in terms of geographic coverage. It typically covers a city or a large campus and provides high-speed connectivity.
- Features :
Covers a city or a large campus.
Can be public or private.
Medium to high-speed (10 Mbps to 1 Gbps).
Uses fiber optics, leased lines, and wireless technologies.
A city's cable TV or broadband network.
- Personal Area Network (PAN):
- A PAN is a network for personal devices, typically covering a very short range. Bluetooth is a common technology used for PANs.
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Features:
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Very small, usually within a few meters.
Completely personal.
Speed Varies (up to a few Mbps for Bluetooth, higher for Wi-Fi).
Uses Bluetooth, infrared, NFC, and Wi-Fi.
Connection between a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds.
- Campus Area Network (CAN):
- A CAN is an interconnection of LANs within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or an industrial complex.
- Features:
Covers a university, business campus, or a large organization.
Privately owned by an institution or company.
High-speed, similar to LAN (1 Gbps or more).
Uses Ethernet, fiber optics, and Wi-Fi.
A university connecting different departments and dormitories.
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