Network types and characteristics

CAN

A computer network that spans a limited geographic area.

MAN

A geographic network that covers a larger geographic area such as a city or community; may be used to connect computers in libraries, government agencies, etc. together - no more than 30 miles in size

LAN

A geographic network that covers a relatively small geographic area such as a building or a small campus - no more than a mile distance between computers

WLAN

A local area network that links electronic devices via electromagnetic airwaves, rather than by wire or cable, usually providing connection to an Internet service provider through an access point (router).

SAN

A network of storage devices that can be accessed by multiple servers or computers, providing a shared pool of storage space.

PAN

A network that connects electronic devices within a user's immediate area.

client/server network

A network that uses centrally administered computers, known as servers, to enable resource sharing for and to facilitate communication between the other computers on the network.

MPLS

A networking technology that routes traffic using the shortest path based on "labels," rather than network addresses, to handle forwarding over private wide area networks.

peer-to-peer network

A type of network that connects two client computers directly together.

mGRE

Is used to connect multiple remote sites through a VPN.

WAN

Largest type of network in terms of geographic area.

SDWAN

Type of networking technology that uses software-defined networking principles to manage and optimize the performance of wide area networks