Different Network Types

By: Kody Shaw

Basic Overview

There are many different ways to identify a network in our society. These characteristics are:

What area the network serves How it stores data How it manages resources How it organizes the network Type of networking devices it uses Type of media it uses to connect the

devices

Local Area Network (LAN) LAN – group of devices under same

administrative control (connected with cables) In the past, LANs were thought of as a single

network in a building LAN currently includes multiple connected

networks that cover several devices, which can be installed throughout many buildings

All networks under a LAN are controlled by one administrator or administrative group

Administrators control security and other control settings for the network

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN – A network that connects LANs that are in different physical locations

The Internet is a WAN. It connects several LANs across the world.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

With a WLAN, wireless devices connect to access points within a specific area

Only the access point is connected to the network host

Connected with copper cabling WLAN range varies, from 30m to

very great distances (short range for indoors, long range for outdoors)

Peer-to-peer

Peer-to-peer has no dedicated servers

Each device has equal rights Network has no administration Works best with few computers Has many disadvantages (No

administration, no central security, the more computers results is complex network, might not have central data storage)

Mini Quiz

A _____ is a network that connects LANs that are in different physical locations.

A _____ is a group of devices under the same administrative control (connected with cables).

A _____ network has no dedicated servers.

With a _____, wireless devices connect to access points within a specific area.

WAN

LAN

WLAN

Peer-to-peer