Types of Networks
There are several types of networks based on physical scope or scale, each requiring different hardware components and requirements. Some of the most well known networks include a LAN (local area network) and a WAN (wide area network) and a BBN (backbone network). There are also subtypes of these categories.
LAN - Local Area Network
A LAN is a network that connects devices and computers in a limited geographical area such as a computer laboratory, office building, home or school. Each of the devices or computers on the LAN is a node. Most LANs are wired with Ethernet technology and connect with Ethernet cables. Some new changes to technology provide a way to create a LAN using existing wires like power lines, phone lines and coaxial cables. LANs are valued for their high data transfers and smaller geographic range. They also do not require the use of leased telecommunication lines. Current LAN technologies operate at a data transfer rate of 10 gigabytes per second. Future innovations might include transfer rates of 40 and 100 gigabytes per second.
PAN - Personal Area Network
A PAN is a type of LAN for connecting computers and devices close to one person. Examples of devices used on a PAN are fax machines, telephones, scanners, video game consoles, printers, personal computers and PDAs. A personal area network can include both wired and wireless devices. Wired PANs are usually constructed with Firewire and USB connections whereas wireless includes infrared and Bluetooth communication. The reach for a PAN is generally 10 meters.
HAN - Home Area Network
A HAN is a LAN that is used for several computers and devices throughout a home. It is also referred to as an OAN or office area network. An important function of a HAN is the capability of sharing Internet access through a broadband or DSL service.
WAN - Wide Area Network
A WAN is a wide area computer network that unlike a LAN covers a large geographic area like a city, county or even intercontinental. Communication channels involve the use of cables, air waves and telephone lines. A WAN functions at the lower layers of the OSI model and generally uses transmission facilities provided by carriers like telephone companies. An example of a WAN is a campus network for a university. This network is made up of several local area networks within a geographical area and uses network components like switches, routers and optical cables owned by the university. This network links a variety of structures including academic buildings, residence halls and libraries.