Types of networks

Networks

There are different types of networks. Common types of networks are wide-area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN). 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.

Types of networks you should be able to identify

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
virtual local area network (VLAN)	A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical overlay network that groups together a subset of devices that share a physical LAN, isolating the traffic for each group.. This video might be helpful.
wide area network (WAN)	A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance. Wide area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits. Business, education and government entities use wide area networks to relay data to staff, students, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various locations across the world. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location. The Internet may be considered a WAN.
storage area network (SAN)	watch this video, please. A storage area network (SAN) is a network which provides access to consolidated, block level data storage. Please don't confuse with NAS.
wireless local area network (WLAN)	A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution method for two or more devices that use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection.
internet	watch this. The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.
extranet	An extranet is a controlled private network that allows access to partners, vendors and suppliers or an authorized set of customers – normally to a subset of the information accessible from an organization's intranet. An extranet is similar to a DMZ in that it provides access to needed services for authorised parties, without granting access to an organization's entire network. An extranet is a private network organization.
intranet	An intranet is a private network utilized by an organization. It's designed to facilitate internal communication, collaboration, and information sharing among members of the organization securely. Intranets are built using web technologies and provide a wide range of services similar to the internet, such as email, web sites, and databases, but are accessible only to authorized users within the organization. They often feature tools for document management, project management, CRM, and social networking to enhance productivity and engagement.
virtual private network (VPN)	A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network, and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network. Applications running across the VPN may therefore benefit from the functionality, security, and management of the private network.
personal area network (PAN)	A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for data transmission amongst devices such as computers, telephones, tablets and personal digital assistants. It's designed for personal use and involves the interconnection of digital devices close to one person. Your smart phone, smart watch and perhaps your bluetooth headphones constitute a personal area network.
Peer-to-peer (P2P)	peer-to-peer (P2P) computing or networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads between peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application. They are said to form a peer-to-peer network of nodes.

Standards

• Identify different types of networks.

a group or system of interconnected people or things.

a group or system of interconnected people or things.

a group or system of interconnected people or things.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

A unit of abstract mathematical system subject to the laws of arithmetic.

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.