Types of Computer Networks with example

Computer networks are classified based on their size, range, and purpose. The major types of computer networks are:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
4. Wide Area Network (WAN)
5. Wireless Networks (WLAN, WWAN)
6. Campus Area Network (CAN)
7. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
8. Storage Area Network (SAN)

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

✅ Definition:

A PAN is the smallest network used for communication between devices close to a person, typically within 10 meters.

✅ Examples:

• Connecting a smartphone with a Bluetooth headset
• File sharing between two mobile phones via Wi-Fi Direct

✅ Characteristics:

• Short range (few meters)
• Low cost
• Easy to set up
• Mostly wireless

✅ Technologies Used:

• Bluetooth
• Infrared
• USB

✅ Advantages:

• Simple and convenient
• No complex setup required

✅ Disadvantages:

• Limited range
• Low data transfer rate

2. Local Area Network (LAN)

✅ Definition:

A LAN is a network that connects computers within a small geographical area like an office, building, or campus.

✅ Examples:

• Office network connecting employees’ computers
• School computer lab

✅ Characteristics:

• Covers area up to a few kilometers
• High data transfer rate (100 Mbps to 1 Gbps)
• Typically owned and managed by one organization

✅ Technologies Used:

• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi (for Wireless LAN)

✅ Advantages:

• High speed
• Secure and easy to maintain
• Cost-effective for small areas

✅ Disadvantages:

• Limited range
• Network failure can affect all systems

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

✅ Definition:

A MAN covers a larger area than LAN, such as a city or town.

✅ Examples:

• City-wide Wi-Fi
• Network of government offices in a city

✅ Characteristics:

• Covers up to 50 kilometers
• Connects multiple LANs
• Managed by government or large organizations

✅ Technologies Used:

• Fiber optics
• Wireless technologies (WiMAX)

✅ Advantages:

• High-speed connectivity across cities
• Useful for organizational communication

✅ Disadvantages:

• More expensive than LAN
• Complex setup and maintenance

4. Wide Area Network (WAN)

✅ Definition:

A WAN covers a very large geographical area, such as countries or continents.

✅ Examples:

• The Internet (largest WAN)
• Bank networks connecting ATMs nationwide

✅ Characteristics:

• Unlimited range
• Connects multiple LANs and MANs
• Uses public or leased communication lines

✅ Technologies Used:

• Satellite
• Optical fiber
• MPLS, Leased lines

✅ Advantages:

• Global connectivity
• Centralized data and communication

✅ Disadvantages:

• High setup and maintenance cost
• Prone to security risks

5. Wireless Networks

✅ Wireless LAN (WLAN):

Similar to LAN but uses radio signals for communication.

Example: Home Wi-Fi network.

✅ Wireless WAN (WWAN):

Covers larger areas wirelessly using mobile networks like 4G/5G.

Example: Mobile internet connectivity

✅ Advantages:

• Mobility and convenience
• Easy installation (no wires)

✅ Disadvantages:

• Less secure than wired networks
• Signal interference possible

6. Campus Area Network (CAN)

✅ Definition:

A CAN connects multiple LANs within a university, campus, or business park.

✅ Example:

• College campus network linking labs, libraries, and admin offices

✅ Characteristics:

• Covers a few kilometers
• Private ownership

✅ Advantages:

• High speed and reliability
• Centralized administration

✅ Disadvantages:

• Limited to specific geographic areas

7. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

✅ Definition:

A VPN allows secure communication over a public network like the Internet.

✅ Example:

• Remote employees accessing company servers securely

✅ Characteristics:

• Encrypts data
• Masks IP addresses

✅ Advantages:

• Enhances security and privacy
• Enables remote work

✅ Disadvantages:

• May reduce speed
• Requires configuration and maintenance

8. Storage Area Network (SAN)

✅ Definition:

A SAN is a dedicated network for data storage and retrieval.

✅ Example:

• Data centers using SAN to manage large databases

✅ Characteristics:

• High-speed data transfer
• Centralized storage management

✅ Advantages:

• Fast and efficient storage access
• High scalability

✅ Disadvantages:

• Expensive and complex
• Requires skilled management

📊 Comparison Table