11 Types of Networks Explained

Storage-Area Network (SAN)

A dedicated network storage facility that provides access to data storage over a high-speed network.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A large computer network usually spanning a city

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that connects devices in geographically separated areas.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A private data network that creates secure connections, or "tunnels," over regular Internet lines

Campus Area Network (CAN)

An interconnection of networks located in nearby buildings (for example, buildings on a college campus).

Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)

As an alternative to traditional switch-based Ethernet LANs, POLAN technology can be integrated into structured cabling to overcome concerns about supporting traditional Ethernet protocols and network applications such as PoE (Power over Ethernet). A point-to-multipoint LAN architecture, POLAN uses optical splitters to split an optical signal from one strand of singlemode optical fiber into multiple signals to serve users and devices.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Connects a group of computers in close proximity, such as in an office building, school, or home

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Links two or more devices over a short distance using a wireless distribution method, usually providing a connection through an access point for Internet access.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Provide communication over a short distance that is intended for use with devices that are owned and operated by a single user

Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

These types of networks are built and owned by businesses that want to securely connect its various locations to share computer resources.

System-Area Network (also known as SAN)

This term is fairly new within the past two decades. It is used to explain a relatively local network that is designed to provide high-speed connection in server-to-server applications (cluster environments), storage area networks (called "SANs" as well) and processor-to-processor applications. The computers connected on a SAN operate as a single system at very high speeds.