Networking Concepts

Local Area Network (LAN)

• LAN stands for Local Area Network.
• Typically refers to devices within a building or a group of nearby buildings.
• Offers high bandwidth communication.
  • Common technologies: Ethernet networks and 802.11 wireless networks.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

• WAN stands for Wide Area Network.
• Used for communication across cities, countries, or globally.
• Generally provides slower speeds due to long distances.
• Technologies include:
  • Point-to-point serial connections
  • MPLS
  • Fiber optics
  • Satellite links

Personal Area Network (PAN)

• PAN stands for Personal Area Network.
• Used for connecting personal devices.
• Common technologies: Bluetooth, infrared, NFC.
• Examples include:
  • Wireless earbuds/earpods
  • Connecting mobile phones to car audio systems
  • Communicating with workout equipment for telemetry reports

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network.
• Connects multiple locations within the same city or geographical area.
• Bridges the gap between LAN and WAN distances.
• Often utilizes metro ethernet for connectivity.
• Common in government infrastructure due to existing rights of way for fiber installation.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

• SAN stands for Storage Area Network.
• Provides centralized, high-speed storage access.
• Supports block-level access similar to local storage devices.
• Requires high bandwidth for efficient data transfer.
• Usually isolated on dedicated high-speed networks.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

• WLAN is a wireless form of LAN.
• Uses 802.11 wireless technology.
• Typically limited to building or localized area coverage.
• Extended using additional access points for larger coverage.