Types of Networks

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

A large network designed to provide access to a specific geographic area, such as an entire city.

Peer-to-Peer network (P2P)

A network in which each node connected to the network can communicate directly with every other node on the network

Local area network (LAN)

A network in which the nodes are located within a small geographic area (examples include a network in a computer lab or in a fast-food restaurant)

Wide area network (WAN)

A network that spans a large physical distance. It is also a networked collection of LANs. An example would be a college campus with multiple campuses located in different towns, with all the LANs connected together to communicate.

Personal area network (PAN)

A network used for communication among devices close to one person, such as smartphones and tablets, using wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and WiFi

Home area network (HAN)

A network used to connect all of a home's digital devices, such as computers, peripherals, printers, phones, gaming devices, digital video recorders, and televisions

Client/server network

A type of network that delivers services to computers that are requesting them