Network Types

Network Types

There are two types of networks:

• Local Area Network (LAN) is a network typically contained wholly within a single site and entirely owned and controlled by a single organisation.

• Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spreads over a geographically large area. It is characterized by its dependence on Public Telecommunications Providers for either dial-up or dedicated services.

In addition to these traditional two there is another type of network called MAN.

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a large network usually spanning a university or a city. It typically uses wireless infrastructure or optical fiber connections to link its sites.