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.

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.