Area Networks - LANs WANs and Other Area Networks

One way to categorize the different types of computer network designs is by their scope or scale. For historical reasons, the networking industry refers to nearly every type of design as some kind of area network. Common examples of area network types are LAN, WAN and VLAN.

Introduction to Area Networks
Besides LANs and WANs, other types of area networks like MAN and SAN also exist. Learn about the difference between LANs, WANs, and all the rest.

LAN - A Definition
A Local Area Network (LAN) supplies connectivity to a group of computers in close proximity to each other such as in an office building, a school or a home.

WAN - A Definition
A wide area network (WAN) spans a large geographic area, such as a state, province or country.

WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
WLANs provide wireless network communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals instead of traditional network cabling.

SAN - Storage Area Network
A SAN is a type of local area network (LAN) designed to handle large data transfers (particularly for backup and restore operations).

PAN - Personal Area Network
A PAN is a computer network organized around an individual person. Personal area networks typically involve a mobile computer, a cell phone and/or a handheld computing device such as a PDA.

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