3.1.4 Classification Of Network
(Classification Of Network)(Network Architecture)(Internet Overview)(Internet Services)(Network topology)

 Networks usually are classified as a:
  The main differentiation among these classifications is their area of coverage (distinguish by the geographical area each network serves).
 Definition:

          A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area.






 Main characteristics of LAN:
  •  Areas of coverage: LANs located within the same building (closely positioned group of buildings) such as a home, school computer laboratory, office building.
  •  Distance: LANs span (cover) distance less than a mile.
  •  Ownership: LANs are owned and operated by individual organizations

        Personal Area Network (PAN)


     Definition:

             Personal Area Network (PAN) is a type of wireless network that works within a very small area—your immediate surroundings.


         Home Area Network (HAN)

     Definition:

             Home Area Network (HAN) is a type of network for homes allowing different computers to share resources, including a common Internet connection.


     Advantage:
           
  • Hardware and software can be shared.
  • All the users work can be stored in a central place.
  • Data can be shared because database files stored in the server are available to users around the network.

     Disadvantages:
  • Printing can be slow, long print queues may develop.
  • A virus can spread more easily.
  • As data is shared there is a greater need for security.
  •  Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

        Definition:

                 A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a high-speed network that connects local area networks (LANs) in a metropolitan area.


Main characteristics of MAN:
  • Areas of coverage: MANs connect various locations such as campuses, offices, and government, that are frequently used as links between buildings.
  • Distance: MANs span (cover) distance up to 100 miles (161 km).
  • Ownership: MANs are owned by a group of users who jointly own and operate the network.

    Campus Area Network (CAN)

       Definition:
           
          Campus Area Network (CAN) is a type of a computer network interconnecting a few local area networks (LANs) within a university campus or corporate campus.
          Campus area network may link a variety of campus buildings including departments, the university library and student halls of residence.




  • Wide Area Network (WAN)

        Definition:

                 A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographical area.




Main characteristics of WAN:
  • Areas of coverage: WANs located within a countryside and worldwide networks, (such as a city, country, or the world) using a communications channel that combines many types of media such as  telephone lines, cables and radio waves. The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.
  • Distance: WANs span (cover) distance greater than 100 miles.
  • Ownership: WANs have no ownership.


Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

        Definition:

                Enterprise Private Network (EPN) is a type of network built by an enterprise to interconnect various company sites, e.g., production sites, head offices, remote offices,                 shops, in order to share computer resources.




Virtual Private Network (VPN)

          Definition:
                 Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a type of private network built over public infrastructure. By using a number of security mechanisms, including encryption, a VPN allows users to securely access a network from different locations using a public telecommunications network, most frequently the Internet.