Network Types
Different network kinds depend on how big they
are and how much of the world they cover. LAN and WAN are now words that the
majority of people who have a rudimentary understanding of networking are
already familiar with. However, in addition to those, there are a few
additional network types that not many people are aware of.
Fig 1: Network Types
PAN
So let's start by discussing a PAN. The term
"personal area network" is used. This particular network type is now utilized
on a personal level. It is a tiny network that is used to link computers,
tablets, and mobile phones. Additionally, they communicate with one another
wirelessly utilizing NFC, Bluetooth, and other technologies. But a wired
connection, like a USB cable, can also be used to connect them. The majority of
the time, PANs are used to send tiny things like music, pictures, calendar
appointments, and so forth.
LAN
A LAN is the following kind of network. The
network "local area network" is now used. A local area network is a
collection of hardware, including computers, servers, switches, and printers,
that are housed in the same structure, such as a home or business.
Alternatively said, they are close to one another. A switch is used to link two
or more computers to Ethernet connections, making it the most popular type of
LAN.
WLAN
A local area network that employs wireless
communication rather than cable transmission is known as a WLAN. A wireless LAN
is defined as a local area network made up of at least two wirelessly connected
devices. A wireless LAN typically has a Wi-Fi router or wireless access point
to allow wireless devices like laptops, tablets, wireless desktops, and
cellphones to communicate. Therefore, to put it simply, a wireless LAN is a LAN
but without the use of cables.
CAN
The CAN is the following sort of network. The term "campus area network" is now used. A CAN is a network that connects two or more LANs in a constrained space. As an illustration, a CAN might be a university with a number of buildings all located nearby and linked to one another to form a wider network. With each building having its own LAN in its department, these buildings might be several departments located on a university's campus. Then a campus area network is created by linking the structures together.
MAN
A MAN is the following network type. MAN stands
for Metropolitan area network. This network is now bigger than a CAN. It is a
network that connects a number of structures in a city or town. In most cases, fiber
optic cable or another high-speed link is used to connect MANs. It is a fast
network that allows for the sharing of information and resources inside a city.
SAN
A SAN, or storage area network, comes next. A
SAN is now a specialized, fast network that stores and makes massive amounts of
data available. In essence, a SAN is a special network used exclusively for
data storage. Switches, servers, and various disc arrays make up this network.
The fact that SANs are not impacted by network traffic, such as bottlenecks
that can occur in a local area network, is one of the primary justifications
for utilizing SANs. And the reason for this is that SANs are actually
partitioned off from local area networks. It stands on its own as a network.
WAN
The wide area network, or WAN, is the last option. The biggest network type is a WAN. A WAN consists of numerous LANs, CANs, and MANs. It is a network that covers a huge geographic region, such as a whole country, continent, or even the world. The internet is a good illustration of a wide area network.
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