4.2.1 Introduction to Network Types

Computer networks can be categorized based on their size, purpose, and geographical coverage. Two of the most common types are:

1. Local Area Network (LAN) – Covers a small area, like a school, home, or office.
2. Wide Area Network (WAN) – Covers a large geographical area, such as cities, countries, or even globally.

Understanding these network types helps us recognize how different systems communicate efficiently.

4.2.2 Local Area Network (LAN)

Definition

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited area such as a single building, office, or school. It is typically used for fast, secure, and efficient communication among local users.

Key Characteristics of LAN:

✔ Covers a Small Area – Limited to a home, school, office, or small campus.
✔ High Speed – LANs offer high data transfer speeds, usually between 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
✔ Privately Owned – LANs are usually managed and maintained by individuals or organizations, not public service providers.
✔ Uses Wired or Wireless Connections – LANs can operate through Ethernet cables (wired LAN) or Wi-Fi (wireless LAN).
✔ Resource Sharing – Users can share files, printers, applications, and internet access.

Examples of LAN in Daily Life:

📌 Home Network – A Wi-Fi router connects multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) in a house.
📌 School Network – All computers in a school’s computer lab are connected to a central server.
📌 Office Network – Employees share documents, printers, and applications through a secure internal network.

Advantages of LAN:

✅ Fast Data Transfer – LANs allow high-speed communication between connected devices.
✅ Easy Resource Sharing – Users can share printers, internet access, and files without needing external storage.
✅ Secure and Controlled – Only authorized users can access the network, increasing security.
✅ Cost-Effective – Since it covers a small area, LAN setup and maintenance costs are low.

Disadvantages of LAN:

❌ Limited Range – LANs cannot connect distant users beyond a specific physical location.
❌ Maintenance Required – The network administrator must ensure the LAN is secure and functioning correctly.

4.2.3 Wide Area Network (WAN)

Definition

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a large network that connects multiple LANs over long distances. It can span cities, countries, or even continents.

Key Characteristics of WAN:

✔ Covers Large Distances – WANs connect multiple locations, often across cities or countries.
✔ Slower Speed than LAN – Data transfer rates are lower than LANs due to long-distance communication.
✔ Public or Private Ownership – WANs can be operated by companies (private WANs) or by telecommunications providers (public WANs).
✔ Uses Different Communication Technologies – WANs rely on telephone lines, fiber optics, satellites, and mobile networks.

Examples of WAN in Daily Life:

📌 The Internet – The world’s largest WAN, connecting millions of devices globally.
📌 Banking Networks – Banks connect ATMs, branches, and online services through WANs.
📌 Multinational Company Networks – Large companies use WANs to connect office branches worldwide.

Advantages of WAN:

✅ Global Connectivity – WANs enable businesses, organizations, and users to stay connected across vast distances.
✅ Centralized Data Access – Companies can store and access critical information from any location.
✅ Facilitates Remote Work – Employees can access office resources securely from different cities or countries.

Disadvantages of WAN:

❌ Expensive Setup and Maintenance – Requires costly infrastructure like fiber optics, satellites, and data centers.
❌ Lower Speed than LAN – Data transfer rates are slower due to long-distance communication.
❌ Security Risks – Public WANs, like the internet, are vulnerable to hacking and cyber threats.

4.2.4 Differences Between LAN and WAN

4.2.5 Other Network Types

Besides LAN and WAN, there are other network types, including:

1) Personal Area Network (PAN)

• A very small network used for personal devices.
• Examples: Bluetooth connections between a smartphone and a wireless headset.

2) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Covers a larger area than LAN but smaller than WAN, usually a city.
• Examples: City-wide Wi-Fi networks, university campus networks.

These networks will be studied in more depth in later years.

4.2.6 Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ LAN (Local Area Network) covers small areas like homes, schools, and offices, offering high speed and security.
✅ WAN (Wide Area Network) connects distant locations using technologies like satellites, fiber optics, and telephone lines.
✅ LANs are faster but cover less distance, while WANs are slower but allow global communication.
✅ Other network types like PAN (Personal Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) exist for different needs.

Next Chapter Preview

Now that we understand different types of networks, the next section (4.3 Internet Infrastructure) will explore how the internet connects the world, the role of ISPs, servers, and data centers, and how websites are delivered to your screen. 🚀