From the standpoint of Geographical span, Three of the most common types of computer networks are
- Local area networks (LANs)
- Wide area networks (WANs)
- Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
Local-area network (LAN):
A local area network (LAN) consists of a series of computers linked together to form a network in a circumscribed location. The computers in a LAN connect to each other via TCP/IP ethernet or Wi-Fi. A LAN is normally exclusive to an organization, such as a school, office, association or church.
- A LAN connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a floor, building, or campus.
- LANs commonly use the Ethernet standard for connecting devices, and they usually have a high data-transfer rate.
- Wireless technology is also commonly used for a LAN.
Wide-area network (WAN) :
A wide area network (also known as WAN), is a large network of information that is not tied to a single location. WANs can facilitate communication, the sharing of information and much more between devices from around the world through a WAN provider.
- A WAN connects devices in a large geographical area, such as multiple cities or countries.
- WANs are used to connect LANs. They use technologies such as fiber-optic cables and satellites to transmit data.
- The internet is considered to be the largest WAN.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) :
The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) generally expands throughout a city such as cable TV network. It can be in the form of Ethernet, Token-ring, ATM, or Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI).
Metro Ethernet is a service which is provided by ISPs. This service enables its users to expand their Local Area Networks. For example, MAN can help an organization to connect all of its offices in a city.