Lesson 3: Types of Networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN

Networks are often categorized based on their geographical size and scope. These categories determine the technologies and speeds typically used.

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

• Scope: Small geographical area, typically within a single building, home, office, or campus.
• Ownership: Usually privately owned and managed (e.g., your home Wi-Fi).
• Speed: High speed (often 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps).
• Example: All computers, printers, and phones within a small company's headquarters.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Scope: Large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs across cities, countries, or continents.
• Ownership: Typically requires public carriers (telecom companies) to lease lines or services.
• Speed: Generally slower than LANs, but improving rapidly.
• Example: The internet itself is the largest WAN. A company connecting its headquarters in New York to a branch office in London.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Scope: Covers a mid-sized area, such as a large university campus or a city.
• Note: MANs often use technologies like high-speed fiber-optic lines to connect different segments within the city.

4. Personal Area Network (PAN)

• Scope: Very small, centered around an individual person, spanning just a few meters.
• Example: Connecting your smartphone, headphones, and smartwatch via Bluetooth. USB connections between devices can also form a wired PAN.

Summary Table