Network Types: LAN, WAN, PAN, CAN, MAN, SAN, WLAN

Brief Summary

This video explains different types of computer networks based on their size and geographical coverage. It covers PANs for personal device connections, LANs for local connections within a building, CANs for connecting multiple LANs in a limited area like a campus, MANs for city-wide networks, SANs for dedicated high-speed data storage, and WANs as the largest networks spanning countries or the globe, exemplified by the internet.

• PAN: Personal Area Network for connecting personal devices.
• LAN: Local Area Network for connecting devices within a building.
• CAN: Campus Area Network connecting multiple LANs in a limited area.
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network spanning a city or town.
• SAN: Storage Area Network for dedicated data storage.
• WAN: Wide Area Network spanning large geographical areas.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A personal area network (PAN) is a small-scale network designed for personal use, connecting devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These devices communicate wirelessly via technologies such as Bluetooth, infrared, and near-field communication (NFC), or through wired connections like USB cables. PANs are commonly used for transferring small files, including music, photos, and calendar appointments.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A local area network (LAN) comprises computers, servers, switches, and printers within a single building, such as an office or home, in close proximity to each other. The most common type is an Ethernet LAN, where devices connect via Ethernet cables using a switch. A wireless LAN (WLAN) achieves the same connectivity as a LAN but uses wireless communication, typically involving a Wi-Fi router or wireless access point for devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones. Essentially, a WLAN is a LAN without the need for physical cables.

CAN (Campus Area Network)

A campus area network (CAN) connects two or more LANs within a limited geographical area. For example, a university might use a CAN to link multiple buildings, each housing different departments with their own LANs. These buildings are then interconnected to form a larger campus-wide network, facilitating communication and resource sharing across the institution.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is larger than a CAN, spanning multiple buildings within a city or town. MANs typically use high-speed connections, such as fibre optic cables, to enable fast data and resource sharing across the metropolitan area. This type of network provides a robust infrastructure for communication and data exchange within a city.

SAN (Storage Area Network)

A storage area network (SAN) is a specialised, high-speed network designed for storing and providing access to large volumes of data. It is a dedicated network consisting of multiple disk arrays, switches, and servers, primarily used for data storage. SANs operate independently of local area network traffic, avoiding bottlenecks that can occur in LANs, as they are partitioned off as a separate network.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A wide area network (WAN) is the largest type of network, encompassing multiple LANs, CANs, and MANs across a broad geographical area, such as a country, continent, or even the entire globe. The internet is a prime example of a WAN, connecting countless networks worldwide.