Types of Computer Networks LAN WAN MAN

Types of Computer Networks LAN WAN MAN

This article is about the Types of Computer Networks. There are two most common types of network infrastructure of computer are Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN), but there are more.
It is important to keep in mind that network infrastructures can vary greatly in terms of:

• The size of the area they cover.
• The number of connected users.
• The quantity and types of services available.
• The area of ​​responsibility.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

The most common types of computer networks are the following:

1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Wide area network (WAN)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
4. Wireless LAN (WLAN)
5. Networks Storage Area (SAN)

LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN)

It is that Network that provides connectivity in a home, building or campus and we can highlight the following:

• They cover a small geographical area
• They interconnect terminals in limited areas. (For example: House, Buildings, campus)
• They are managed by a single organization
• Provide high speed bandwidth to internal devices

Following is the simple network topology diagram.

WIDE AREA NETWORKS (WAN)

They are those network infrastructures that cover a large geographical area. It has the following characteristics:

• They interconnect LAN networks across large geographic areas.
• They are managed by several service providers
• Provide slower speed links between LAN networks
• LANs that are geographically separated are connected by a WAN, operated by ISPs

MAN, WLAN AND SAN NETWORKS

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)Metropolitan Area Network : Metropolitan Area Network - these are network infrastructures that cover a physical area larger than that of a LAN but less than that of a WAN (for example, a city). Typically, the MAN operation is run by a single entity, such as a large organization.

• Wireless LAN (WLAN) : Wireless Local Area Network - are similar to LANs, only that they wirelessly interconnect users and endpoints in a small geographic area.
• Storage Area Network (SAN) : Storage Area Network - are network infrastructures designed to support file servers and provide data storage, recovery and replication.
• Personal Area Network (PAN) : PAN - Personal Area Network - is definitely the smallest type of network you can use today and the name comes from the personal area network. You've probably used this in the last week without even knowing it. It is the interconnected network of technological devices available to an individual, but generally limited to a maximum of 10 meters.

INTRANET NETWORKS AND EXTRANET NETWORKS

The Internet is called “network of networks”, it is the global set of interconnected networks and is not owned by any person or group.

• Intranet : Used to refer to a private LAN and WAN connection that belongs to an organization and is designed to be accessed only by members and employees of the organization or other authorized persons.
• Extranet : Used to provide secure access to people who work for another organization, but require company data. Eg a company that provides access to external suppliers and contractors.

INTERNET ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES

There are several different ways to connect users and organizations to the Internet. Let's see how we classify these technologies:

• Domestic Internet or Small offices : Require an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

1. Broadband cable: Generally a service offered by cable television service providers.
2. Broadband per digital subscriber line (DSL): The digital subscriber line provides an always active and high-bandwidth Internet connection.
3. Wireless WAN and Mobile Services: Internet access by mobile data.

• Service providers (SP)  or Business : Service providers (SP) are those who provide business-level interconnections. To support business services, such as IP telephony, video conferencing and data center storage, fast connections are required.

1. Business DSL: It is available in various formats. A widely used option is the symmetric digital subscriber line (SDSL), which is similar to the consumer DSL version, but provides the same upload and download speeds.
2. Leased lines: Actual reserved circuits within the service provider's network.
3. Ethernet meter