Types of networks
There are different types of networks. Common types of networks are: WAN and LAN. There are other types of networks as well: SAN, MAN, BAN, IAN and others. Each network type helps us understand the purpose, design goals, and scale of the network. For example if we say a network is a LAN, we can assume it is a local network, probably in one building or in a reasonably restricted area. We might make an assumption that a LAN has a certain number of devices connected to it. However, if we say a network is a WAN, we might assume it is much larger, and designed to accommodate a much, much larger number of devices.
A helpful video[edit]
Types of networks you should be able to identify[edit]
| Type of network | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| local area network (LAN) | A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building[2] |
| virtual local area network (VLAN) | A VLAN is a group of devices on one or more LANs that are configured to communicate as if they were attached to the same wire, when in fact they are located on a number of different LAN segments. [3] |
| wide area network (WAN) | foo |
| storage area network (SAN) | foo |
| wireless local area network (WLAN) | foo |
| internet | foo |
| extranet | foo |
| virtual private network (VPN) | foo |
| personal area network (PAN) | foo |
| Peer-to-peer (P2P) | foo |
Do you understand this topic?[edit]
At the minimum, you should be able to:
- Identify the different types of networks
- Outline the major differences between types networks
Do you have an advanced understanding about this topic?[edit]
If you want an advanced understanding of this topic, try answering the questions below:
- Design a network based on description of an organizational size and scope
- Estimate the type of network needed for a specific use-case.
What you MUST know about this topic[edit]
- Identify different types of networks.