Different Types of Networks

There are at least eight types of network used across the globe now-a-days for internet connectivity. These networks are used for both home and office purpose. They are differentiated in respect of their scale and range. LAN and WAN are used mostly but the other networks are also equally popular for different industries as their requirement is always different. LAN is the eldest of all as it was first invented to connect two computers. It works with the help of cables and network cards. Its descendant is WLAN which was created for wireless networking. But LAN is the base of all internet setup system.

Let’s take an overview of the LAN, WAN and WLAN, the three major networks:

LAN-Local Area Network

LAN hooks up all the gadgets within a specified periphery. It is used in home, internet cafes and small offices. It uses the TCP/IP network protocol and is often if not always put into practice as a distinctive IP subnet. It is generally operated in short area for internet setup hence it is controllable by a person or organization.

WAN-Wide Area Network

WAN, as the name implies covers a vast area for internet connectivity. The internet itself is a Wide Area Network (it covers the entire planet). WAN is basically a cluster of LANs. A network router usually connects LANs with WANs. It follows network protocols like ATM, Frame Relay etc. for long distance internet connectivity.

WLAN-Wireless Local Area Network

If a LAN is based on wireless network technology that is popularly termed as Wi-Fi it is called WLAN. As the name goes, it does not need any wire to connect networks. Radio signals are the means for connectivity. Wi-Fi network cards are requisite to be pre-installed in the gadgets for accessing any Wi-Fi network around. Wireless cards are used at most to connect computers.

There are some other networks on which I will put light later.