Types of Computer Networks

One way to categorize the different types of computer network designs is by their scope or scale. For historical reasons, the networking industry refers to nearly every type of design as some kind of area network. Common examples of area network types are:

1. Local Area Network LAN – These types of computer networks connect network devices over a relatively short distance. Quite often, a networked office building, home or school contains a single LAN although it is normal to come across a building that contains a few small LANs. On a few occasions, a LAN may also span over a group of nearby buildings. Such computer networks are usually owned by one organisation.
2. Wide Area Network WAN – As the name suggests, a WAN spans over a large physical distance. It may be regarded as a collection of LANs dispersed over a geographical area. The internet is a very good example of a WAN. LANs are connected to a WAN through a device referred to as a router. In IP networking, both the LAN and WAN addresses are maintained by the router. Most WANs exist under distributed or collective ownership and management and unlike the LANs, are not necessarily owned by one organisation.
3. Wireless Local Area Network WLAN – These types of computer networks refer to LANs that are based on Wi-Fi wireless network technology.
4. Metropolitan Area Network MAN – This is a network that spans over a physical area like a city that is smaller than a WAN but larger than a LAN. Quite often, such computer networks are owned and operated by single entities such as government bodies or large corporations.
5. Campus Area Network CAN – This type of network spans over multiple LANs but is generally smaller than a MAN. You could find such computer networks in universities or local business campuses.
6. Storage Area Network SAN – This type of computer network connects servers to devices for data storage using technology such as Fibre channel.
7. System Area Network – This type of computer network is also referred to as a Cluster Area Network. It links high-performance computers in a cluster configuration with high-speed connections.