Types of Networks
Network infrastructures can vary greatly in terms of:
Size of the area covered
Number of users connected
Number and types of services available
Area of responsibility
The figure illustrates the two most common types of network infrastructures:
Local Area Network (LAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to users and end devices in a small geographical area, which is typically an enterprise, home, or small business network owned and managed by an individual or IT department.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to other networks over a wide geographical area, which is typically owned and managed by a telecommunications service provider.
Click here to view a video in which Cisco’s Jimmy Ray Purser explains the difference between LAN and WAN.
Other types of networks include:
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network infrastructure that spans a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city). MANs are typically operated by a single entity such as a large organization.
Wireless LAN (WLAN) - Similar to a LAN but wirelessly interconnects users and end points in a small geographical area.
Storage Area Network (SAN) - A network infrastructure designed to support file servers and provide data storage, retrieval, and replication.
Types of NetworksNetwork infrastructures can vary greatly in terms of:Size of the area coveredNumber of users connectedNumber and types of services availableArea of responsibilityThe figure illustrates the two most common types of network infrastructures:Local Area Network (LAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to users and end devices in a small geographical area, which is typically an enterprise, home, or small business network owned and managed by an individual or IT department.Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to other networks over a wide geographical area, which is typically owned and managed by a telecommunications service provider.Click here to view a video in which Cisco’s Jimmy Ray Purser explains the difference between LAN and WAN.Other types of networks include:Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network infrastructure that spans a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city). MANs are typically operated by a single entity such as a large organization.Wireless LAN (WLAN) - Similar to a LAN but wirelessly interconnects users and end points in a small geographical area.Storage Area Network (SAN) - A network infrastructure designed to support file servers and provide data storage, retrieval, and replication.
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