Everything about different types of networks: LAN, WAN, etc.
Different types of private networks are distinguished based on their sizes (in terms of the number of machines), data transfer speeds, and reach. Private networks are networks that belong to a single organization. There are usually three categories of such networks: LAN, or local area network; MAN, or metropolitan area network; and WAN, or wide area network. There are also two other types of networks: TANs and CANs.
LAN network definition
LAN refers to a group of computers belonging to the same organization. They are linked within a small geographic area using a network and often the same technology (the most widespread being Ethernet).
A local area network is a network in its simplest form. Data transfer speeds over a local area network can reach up to 10 Mbps, such as for an Ethernet network, and 1 Gbps, as with FDDI or Gigabit Ethernet. A local area network can reach as many as 100 or 1000 users.
By expanding the definition of a LAN to the services that it provides, two different operating modes can be defined:
- A peer-to-peer network: the communication is carried out from one computer to another, without a central computer, and each computer has the same role.
- A client/server environment: a central computer provides network services to users.
MAN network definition
What is “MAN network”? MANs connect multiple geographically close LANs (over an area of up to several dozen miles) to one another at high speeds. Thus, a MAN lets two remote nodes communicate as if they were part of the same local area network.
A MAN is made from switches or routers connected with high-speed links (usually fibre optic cables).
WAN network definition
A WAN connects multiple LANs over great geographic distances. The speed available on a WAN varies depending on the cost of the connections: it increases with distance, and can be low.
WANs operate using routers that can choose the most appropriate path for data to take to reach a network node. The most well-known WAN is the Internet.
TANs and CANs
TANs, or Tiny Area Network is the same as LANs but smaller, consisting of 2 to 3 machines.
CANs, or Campus Area Networks are the same as MANs, with bandwidth limited between each of the network's LANs.