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Types of Networks

The document outlines six main types of computer networks: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN), and Storage Area Network (SAN), each with distinct coverage, structure, purpose, and examples. LANs connect devices within a small area, WANs link multiple LANs over large distances, MANs cover a city or large campus, PANs serve individual users in close proximity, VPNs provide secure remote access, and SANs connect servers to storage devices in enterprise environments. Additionally, it includes references for further reading on network types and their functionalities.

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Faith Wanjiru Kamau
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14 views5 pages

Types of Networks

The document outlines six main types of computer networks: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN), and Storage Area Network (SAN), each with distinct coverage, structure, purpose, and examples. LANs connect devices within a small area, WANs link multiple LANs over large distances, MANs cover a city or large campus, PANs serve individual users in close proximity, VPNs provide secure remote access, and SANs connect servers to storage devices in enterprise environments. Additionally, it includes references for further reading on network types and their functionalities.

Uploaded by

Faith Wanjiru Kamau
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Here are three references on types of computer networks:

Here’s an expanded explanation of each main type of computer network:

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1. Local Area Network (LAN)

Coverage: A LAN typically covers a small geographical area, like a single building, office, school, or
campus. It connects computers and devices within this confined space.

Structure: LANs use wired (Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connections to link devices. These
networks are usually owned, controlled, and managed by a single organization or individual.

Purpose: The primary function of a LAN is to enable resource sharing, such as sharing files, printers, and
applications among users. LANs are also widely used for internet access within a small area.

Example: An office network where all computers and printers are connected to allow file sharing and
printing from any workstation.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Coverage: WANs connect multiple LANs across broad distances, often spanning cities, states, or even
countries. Unlike LANs, which cover limited areas, WANs can link users and devices across continents.
Structure: WANs are often established using leased telecommunications lines or satellite connections,
which can be costly and are usually managed by network service providers.

Purpose: WANs facilitate long-distance communication and allow data exchange over vast regions,
supporting global communication for businesses, governments, and individuals.

Example: The internet, which is the largest WAN, connects computers and networks worldwide,
enabling email, web browsing, and other online services globally.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Coverage: A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, covering a city or a large campus.

Structure: MANs use high-speed connections, like fiber optic cables, and are often implemented by local
governments or organizations to link multiple locations within a metropolitan area.

Purpose: They allow organizations to connect facilities within a specific region, enabling high-speed data
transfer and resource sharing across multiple locations.

Example: A university's MAN connecting its different campus buildings, allowing students and staff to
access shared resources across the campus.

4. Personal Area Network (PAN)


Coverage: PANs are designed for very small geographical areas, usually within a range of about 10
meters, and typically serve a single user.

Structure: PANs use technologies like Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi to link devices such as smartphones,
laptops, tablets, and wearables (like smartwatches) for personal use.

Purpose: PANs allow personal devices to connect and exchange data easily, enhancing convenience and
mobility for the user.

Example: Connecting a smartphone to wireless earbuds via Bluetooth to listen to music or take calls
hands-free.

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Coverage: A VPN extends a private network across a public network, enabling secure connections for
remote users.

Structure: VPNs use encryption and tunneling protocols to create secure virtual "tunnels" over the
internet. This keeps data private even when it's sent over a public network.

Purpose: VPNs allow users to securely access a private network from remote locations, making it a
popular solution for businesses to enable employees to work remotely while keeping company data
secure.

Example: A remote worker uses a VPN to securely access their company’s internal network and
resources from home.
6. Storage Area Network (SAN)

Coverage: A SAN typically serves a single organization and is used within data centers or enterprise
environments.

Structure: SANs are dedicated high-speed networks that connect servers to storage devices, such as disk
arrays, using technologies like Fibre Channel.

Purpose: SANs offer a high-performance, reliable, and scalable storage solution, allowing multiple
servers to access the same storage pool simultaneously.

Example: An e-commerce company with a SAN that supports its servers, providing fast access to large
amounts of data for online transactions and database management.

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Each network type serves unique purposes and offers specific advantages, making them suitable for
particular environments and needs, from personal connectivity to global communication and high-
performance storage.
1. Cisco Networking Academy - "Introduction to Networks." This resource covers the basics of different
types of networks, including LAN, WAN, MAN, and others, with a focus on their design and functionality.
Available at: https://www.netacad.com

2. Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall - Computer Networks (5th Edition). This book provides
in-depth explanations of various network types, architectures, and protocols, making it a foundational
text for understanding network classifications.

3. CompTIA - "Types of Networks and Networking Concepts." CompTIA’s educational resources include
descriptions of network types such as LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN, tailored for IT certification
preparation. Available at: https://www.comptia.org

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