This document discusses different types of computer networks based on geographical size, including personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wireless local area networks (WLANs). It provides details on each type such as the distance between connected devices, examples of interconnecting equipment, and transmission media used. Review questions at the end test the understanding of common network acronyms like LAN, MAN, and WAN and ask to identify the type of network in different scenarios.
9. Types of Network According to Geographical
Size
PAN (Personal Area Network)
LAN (Local Area Network)
CAN (Campus Area Network)
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
WAN (Wide Area Network)
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
10. PAN (Personal
Area Network)
• A personal area network (PAN) is a
computer network for interconnecting
electronic devices centered on an
individual person's workspace. A PAN
provides data transmission among
devices such as computers,
smartphones, tablets and personal
digital assistants. PANs can be used for
communication among the personal
devices themselves, or for connecting
to a higher level network and the
Internet where one master device takes
up the role as gateway. A PAN may be
wireless or carried over wired
interfaces such as USB.
11. LAN (Local Area Network)
• is a network in which computers are relatively close together, such as within
the same office or building.
12. CAN (Campus Area Network)
• A campus area network (CAN) is
made up of an interconnection of
LANs within a limited
geographical area. The networking
equipment (switches, routers) and
transmission media (optical fiber,
copper plant, Cat5 cabling, etc.)
13. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• is a network that’s smaller than a typical WAN but larger than a LAN.
• Typically, a MAN connects two or more LANs that are within the same city but are far
enough apart that the networks can’t be connected using a simple cable or wireless
connection.
14. WAN (Wide Area Network)
• is a network that spans a large geographic territory, such as an entire city or
region, or even an entire country. WANs are typically used to connect two or
more LANs that are relatively far apart.