The following are some common terms to know when discussing computer networking: A VPN establishes an encrypted channel that keeps a user’s identity and access credentials, as well as any data transferred, inaccessible to hackers. VPN (virtual private network): A VPN is a secure, point-to-point connection between two network end points (see ‘nodes’ below). CANs serve sites such as colleges, universities, and business campuses. A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. (For more information on how a SAN works with block storage, see Block Storage: A Complete Guide).ĬAN (campus area network): A CAN is also known as a corporate area network. To the user, it looks, and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer. SAN (storage area network): A SAN is a specialized network that provides access to block-level storage-shared network or cloud storage. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content-text messages, emails, photos, and more-across both devices. PAN (personal area network): A PAN serves one person. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs. MAN (metropolitan area network): MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management. The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. WAN (wide area network): As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. WLAN (wireless local area network): A WLAN is just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types: Most home networks are peer-to-peer.As networking needs evolved, so did the computer network types that serve those needs. ![]() The devices share resources and data through wired or wireless connections to a switch or router. ![]() On a peer-to-peer LAN, each device shares equally in the functioning of the network. Most midsize to large business, government, research, and education networks are client/server-based LANs.Ī peer-to-peer LAN doesn't have a central server and cannot handle heavy workloads like a client/server LAN can, and so they're typically smaller. Users can access databases, email, document sharing, printing, and other services through applications running on the LAN server, with read and write access maintained by a network or IT administrator. Typically, suites of applications can be kept on the LAN server. The clients connect to the server either with cables or through wireless connections. A client can be any connected device that runs or accesses applications or the Internet. ![]() The server manages file storage, application access, device access, and network traffic. In general, there are two types of LANs: client/server LANs and peer-to-peer LANs.Ī client/server LAN consists of several devices (the clients) connected to a central server. Now, nearly everything imaginable can be "connected," from PCs, printers, and phones to smart TVs, stereos, speakers, lighting, thermostats, window shades, door locks, security cameras-and even coffeemakers, refrigerators, and toys. Wireless connectivity has also greatly expanded the types of devices that can be connected to a LAN. Today, not only do businesses and schools use LANs, but also restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and homes. While the benefits of having devices connected to a network have always been well understood, it wasn't until the wide deployment of Wi-Fi technology that LANs became commonplace in nearly every type of environment. It wasn't until the development of Ethernet technology (1973, at Xerox PARC), its commercialization (1980), and its standardization (1983) that LANs started to be used widely. LANs were developed in the 1960s for use by colleges, universities, and research facilities (such as NASA), primarily to connect computers to other computers. The devices can use a single Internet connection, share files with one another, print to shared printers, and be accessed and even controlled by one another. The advantages of a LAN are the same as those for any group of devices networked together.
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