Types of computer networks explained

Net work is categorized as per the geographical area to be covered by the network.computer network includes :

☼ LAN        - Local Area Network

☼ WAN       - Wide Area Network

☼ WLAN    - Wireless Local Area Network

☼ MAN       - Metropolitan Area Network

☼ SAN        - Storage Area Network, System Area Network, Server Area Network, or sometimes Small Area Network

☼ CAN       - Campus Area Network, Controller Area Network, or sometimes Cluster Area Network

☼ PAN        - Personal Area Network

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is a computer network that spans over a small area.it connects computers and workstations to share data and resources such as printers or faxes.LAN is restricted to a small area such as home, office or collage. all the workstations, server and printer are interconnected with the help of a network device.printer can be used by other workstations

The institute of electrical and electronic engineers(IEEE) in the United states of America developed a series of standerds for LAN's called the IEEE 802 standers.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is a network system that covers area of a single city.Usually, MAN connects more then one LAN's in a city or town and covers a smaller geographical area than a WAN.the cable TV, telephone companies or local corporations use MAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN covers a wide geographical area which includes multiple computers or LAN's. it connects computers through public networks,like telephone system,microwave,satellite link or leased line.

most of the WAN's use leased lines for internet access as they provide faster data transfer. leased lines is a dedicated connection between service provider and consumer.the main adventage of using leased lines is that there is no interference by other users outside the network

WAN helps an organization to establish network between all its departments and offices located in the same or different cities. it also enables communication between the organization and the rest of the world.

Other Types of Area Networks

• Wireless Local Area Network - A LAN based on Wi-Fi wireless network technology
• Campus Area Network - A network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN, such as on a university or local business campus.
• Storage Area Network - Connects servers to data storage devices through a technology like Fibre Channel.
• System Area Network (also known as Cluster Area Network) - Links high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a cluster configuration.